Company revealed for Lifeline musical's London premiere

Casting has been revealed for Lifeline, which will receive its London premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant.

The musical features music and lyrics by Robin Hiley and a book by Becky Hope-Palmer. It is directed by Alex Howarth,

The production follows two stories set seventy years apart. In 1950, Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming is dealing with global recognition following his discovery of penicillin while beginning a relationship with Greek resistance fighter and scientist Amalia Voureka. In present-day Edinburgh, junior doctor Jess Irvine faces the arrival of her estranged childhood sweetheart.

The cast includes Alan Vicary as Alexander Fleming, Maz McGinlay as Jess Irvine, Nathan Salstone as Aaron Elliot and Clowes, Kieran Brown as Merlin Pryce, Helen Logan as Layla Elliot, Robbie Scott as Julian Kerr and Kelly Glyptis as Amalia Voureka. The company also features Hannah Visocchi, Jasmine Jules Andrews and Graham Richardson.

Each performance will include a chorus made up of healthcare and scientific professionals appearing alongside the cast and a six-piece band.

Lifeline is inspired by historical events and addresses antimicrobial resistance. The musical previously had two runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe under the title The Mould That Changed The World and has been presented off-Broadway. It also staged a performance at the United Nations in 2024.

The creative team includes choreographer Leanne Pinder, set designer Abby Clarke, costume designer Alice McNicholas, lighting designer Matthew Craigen and sound designer Paul Smith. Musical direction is by Neil Metcalfe, with music contributions by James Ross.

It will run from 28 March to 2 May 2026, with a press night scheduled for 2 April.