Lifeline – Review

Lifeline: Southwark Playhouse Elephant, London

2nd April 2026

★★★

Fresh from its debut off-Broadway run, Lifeline has a dual storyline set in 1950 following Alexander Fleming, famous for his discovery of penicillin, who is in love with a Greek resistance fighter and scientist Amalia Voureka. and junior doctor Jess in present-day Edinburgh who is having to make critical decisions when her estranged childhood sweetheart is rushed to hospital. What makes this new musical so unique is that it stars a chorus of real-life nurses, doctors, vets, dentists and scientists alongside a professional cast.

This new musical is quite a slow burn. Whilst both storylines are well told it does feel at least half an hour too long. At times the pace drags and there are moments in the show which are not necessarily needed to move the story on. The music by Robin Hiley is well performed but not that memorable. One highlight is that of the bagpipes, especially during the ceidlah scene in the second act. The band are superb, with many playing several instruments with Scottish roots.

The cast tell the story well with Maz McGinlay and Nathan Salstone particularly standing out as Jess and Aaron/Clowes and Alan Vicary as Fleming himself is also great. The ensemble work hard – portraying several characters throughout the show along with copious costume changes by designer Alice McNicholas. But it is the use of the chorus of medical professionals that really makes this show stand out. They each had their own moment in the spotlight and the ensemble work was seamlessly integrated so that they didn’t stand out. One especially interesting part was the end of the show where each chorus member introduced themselves, their role and the importance of antibiotics in their work. There are even three post-show panels about antibiotics resistance and other research proving this show is more than just a musical. During this section several members spoke in their first language with subtitles provided on the screen above which felt very inclusive and a real highlight that the NHS depends on people from all over the world to make it run. This chorus changes weekly over the course of the run, making it fresh and no doubt drawing in a new audience of proud friends and family.

Lifeline has a clear message to highlight the plight of antibiotic resistance and the role we all have to play to make sure that we look after our, and others, health now and for the future. Whilst it has its flaws, the storytelling has heart and is emotional. This new musical may not be the most memorable but it is certainly unique and shares a strong message yet to be covered which is exactly what theatre and the arts is here for.

Lifeline runs at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until the 2nd May 2026. For more information and tickets click here.

Photo Credit: Charlie Flint