Lifeline gives a voice to the people who fight against antibiotic resistance every day by not only telling patient stories, but featuring local scientists and healthcare professionals alongside the show’s touring professional company. Visit the news section to read more about Lifeline’s ‘healthcare heroes’, past and present.
Lifeline is an internationally-touring two-time Edinburgh Fringe sell-out musical
INSPIRED BY THE LIFE OF SIR ALEXANDER FLEMING AND TRUE STORIES ABOUT THE IMPACT OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
Lifeline tells the story of Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming’s world-changing discovery of penicillin in 1928, charting the rise and fall of antibiotics. Fleming’s historic story is interwoven with Jess’, a present day doctor whose childhood sweetheart, Aaron, is recovering from cancer treatment, almost 100 years after antibiotics were discovered. But just as Aaron is desperate to resume normality and rekindle the romance, his life hangs in the balance, as he waits to see if Fleming’s miracle cure will still work well enough to save him.
The musical is a two-time Edinburgh Festival Fringe sell-out (2018 and 2022). It has toured to London, Glasgow and the east coast of the USA (2022). It has also been showcased at the UK Houses of Parliament and in Barbados for Prime Minister Mia Mottley. Previously entitled The Mould that Changed the World, the show underwent significant re-development in 2023 to incorporate numerous modern day patient stories that the producers had collected from around the world.
A concept album of the re-invented show is due for release on NYC-based Center Stage Records in late July 2024. The album will feature members of the original cast as well as friends from Broadway. Lifeline will debut Off-Broadway at Signature Theatre in late August 2024.
Writer Becky Hope-Palmer
Director Alex Howarth
Choreographer Wayne Parsons
Composer, Lyricist & Producer Robin Hiley
Producer & Violinist Jess Conway
Musical Director Neil Metcalfe