Southwark Playhouse Elephant Archives

First Look: Divina De Campo joins Ride the Cyclone as record-breaking musical returns to London

02-07-26 One of the UK's most celebrated drag performers is joining the cast of one of musical theatre's fastest-growing cult hits. Following its record-breaking, sold-out UK premiere in 2025, Ride the Cyclone returns to Southwark Playhouse Elephant this month, with Divina De Campo taking on the role of The Amazing Karnak. The musical, which runs to 22 August, became the venue's fastest-selling production when it premiered last year, before breaking […]

July 2, 2026

Latest

Rehearsal images released for major new folk musical Ballad Lines

02-01-25 Rehearsal images have been released for Ballad Lines, a major new folk musical making its London premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 23 January to 21 March 2026. The newly revealed photography offers a first glimpse at this unique musical production in the rehearsal room. Co-created by award-winning Scottish singer-songwriter Finn Anderson (Islander, Streets) and award-winning director Tania Azevedo (Mayflies, But I’m a Cheerleader), Ballad Lines is a heart-opening […]

January 3, 2026

General

Matinee’s Top 40 Greatest Shows of 2025 40-30

2025 proved that musical theatre is thriving on every scale, from intimate two-handers to blockbuster West End transfers and UK tours that packed houses night after night. Here’s how Matinee’s Top 40 Musical Highlights of 2025 counted down, with the performers and venues that helped make each moment land. 40. The Addams Family The national tour brought Gomez, Morticia and the whole macabre clan to packed regional theatres across the […]

December 31, 2025

Latest

New Folk Musical “Ballad Lines” to Premiere at Southwark Playhouse in 2026

New Folk Musical “Ballad Lines” to Premiere at Southwark Playhouse in 2026 30-10-25 A major new folk musical is tuning up for London. Ballad Lines, co-created by award-winning Scottish composer Finn Anderson and director Tania Azevedo, will make its London premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 23 January to 21 March 2026, with opening night on 29 January. Presented by Aria Entertainment and KT Producing, Ballad Lines promises a heartfelt […]

November 1, 2025

Cast News

Matinee favourites to star in The Code

The Code: Tracie Bennett and John Partridge Lead New Hollywood Drama at Southwark Playhouse 18-07-25 A fading star, a rising heartthrob, and a sharp-tongued legend collide in The Code, a new play set in the golden age of Hollywood and heading to Southwark Playhouse Elephant this autumn. Running from 12 September to 11 October 2025, with an official opening night on 17 September, The Code is a bold and stylish […]

July 19, 2025

Cast News

Cast News: Midnight Cowboy

Cast News: Midnight Cowboy 29-01-25 ADAMA Entertainment have revealed that EastEnders star Max Bowden, WhatsOnStage Award nominee Paul Jacob French and Tori Allen-Martin will star as Rico ‘Ratzo’ Rizzo, Joe Buck and Cass respectively in the world premiere of Midnight Cowboy - A New Musical which will open at Southwark Playhouse Elephant on 4 April 2025. This powerful adaptation has a book by Bryony Lavery (writer of the Tony-nominated play […]

February 1, 2025

Show Announcements

Midnight Cowboy Announced

Midnight Cowboy - A New Musical Announced 27-11-24 ADAMA Entertainment have announced the world premiere of Midnight Cowboy - A New Musical which will open at Southwark Playhouse Elephant on 4 April 2025 and run until 17 May 2025. This powerful adaptation has a book by Bryony Lavery (writer of the Tony-nominated play Frozen), which breathes new life into the classic story, exploring the depths of friendship and ambition, and […]

November 27, 2024

General

Unfortunate to Tour this Spring

UK Tour News: Unfortunate 06-01-24 Critically acclaimed musical parody Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch is set to tour the UK from February, following a 10-week winter run at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant Friday 8th December 2023 - Saturday 17th February 2024. Disney villain. Octo-woman. Plus-size icon. With an original hot pop soundtrack and trademark filthy humour, Tickets are on sale now. With a new script and production, […]

January 6, 2024