Preview of 'Lifeline' at The Pershing Square Signature Center in NYC

Press release

New Musical 'Lifeline' Tells the Story of Alexander Fleming's Discovery of Penicillin Playing at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center in NYC

New York, NY— LIFELINE is a new musical which tells the story of Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming’s world-changing discovery of penicillin in 1928. Previously entitled The Mould that Changed the World, the musical is a two-time Edinburgh Festival Fringe sell-out. Written by Becky Hope-Palmer with Music and Lyrics by Robin Hiley. LIFELINE is directed by Alex Howarth.
LIFELINE will play at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center on 480 W. 42nd Street, Jim Houghton Way. With previews starting August 28th through September 3rd and an opening night on September 4th.

To purchase tickets, please click HERE

Intimate, funny and ambitious, this musical shows the humanity in healthcare and the courage and belief of those fighting to save our families and our futures.
The musical 'Lifeline' takes audiences on a captivating journey into the life of Alexander Fleming, the Scottish scientist whose discovery of penicillin revolutionized medicine. Beginning in 1928, the story unfolds as Fleming stumbles upon a mold that would change the course of history. Starring a cast of top West End actors who have traveled to New York from London and Scotland, and a Scottish folk-influenced score, the musical brings to life the struggles, triumphs, and impact of this groundbreaking scientific achievement.
'Lifeline' goes beyond the historical narrative of Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin. The musical weaves together two parallel stories, intertwining Fleming's journey with that of Jess, a present-day doctor. Jess' childhood sweetheart, Aaron, is battling cancer, adding an emotional layer to the narrative. The audience witnesses Aaron's desperate desire to resume a normal life and rekindle their romance, all while his fate hangs in the balance. The musical delves into the timeless themes of hope, resilience, and the human spirit.
Combining the cast of actors with a chorus of local New York scientists and healthcare professionals for the first time on an off-Broadway stage, this production is unique and ambitious, aiming to bring the voice of front-line medics and scientists into the light on antibiotic resistance* - a global health crisis that they work with every day.
Previously known as The Mould that Changed the World, 'Lifeline' has garnered immense popularity and critical acclaim. It has been a sell-out at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe not once, but twice, in 2018 and 2022. The musical's success has extended beyond the festival, with tours to major cities including London, Glasgow, Atlanta, and Washington DC in 2022. The show underwent significant re-development in 2023 to incorporate numerous patient stories that the producers had collected from around the world, one of which the character Aaron’s story is based on.

“How often can a musical deliver a lifesaving message to society?”
- NEW YORK TIMES
The feedback and reviews for 'Lifeline' have been overwhelmingly positive. Audiences have been captivated by the show's candid and entertaining portrayal of healthcare, as well as its bold exploration of the courage and belief displayed by those working tirelessly to save lives. The musical is praised for its ability to creatively educate about the importance of antibiotic resistance through a captivating and entertaining medium. Critics have applauded the meticulous research conducted to ensure accuracy in portraying Fleming's story, including consultations with Fleming's biographer, visits to his laboratory at St Mary's Hospital in London, and discussions with members of his family. The result is a show that authentically captures the essence of Fleming's character and the significance of his groundbreaking work.

The creators of 'Lifeline' were inspired to focus on Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin due to its profound impact on healthcare and society. The musical aims to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Fleming while shedding light on humanity in healthcare. By intertwining the past and present, 'Lifeline' emphasizes the importance of medical advancements and the dedication of healthcare professionals in saving lives. The collaboration between writer Becky Hope-Palmer, composer Robin Hiley, and James Ross, along with contributions from Richard Lounds and scientific advice from Dr. Meghan Perry, has resulted in a musical that not only entertains but also educates and inspires.

*Antibiotic resistance is an urgent global health threat, linked to almost 5 million deaths per year. It means that antibiotics are starting to lose their efficacy with alarming speed, rendering life-threatening infections such as sepsis incurable. It affects everyone, no matter race or wealth, and if we don’t act quickly to save antibiotics, routine procedures such as C-Sections and cancer treatment will become unfeasibly dangerous. The musical aims to use the power of storytelling to bring this urgent health issue to the general public, just as Rent and Dear Evan Hansen have done before it.

The cast is listed as below:
Matthew Malthouse as Alexander Fleming
Kirsty MacLaren as Jess
Scott McClure as Aaron / Clowes
Robbie Scott asJulian / Pryce
Nicole Raquel Dennis as Amalia / Ensemble
Mari McGinlay as Layla / Ensemble
Richard Lounds - Ensemble, u/s Fleming & Julian/Pryce
Sarah Haddath - Ensemble, u/s Jess
Graham Richardson - Ensemble, u/s Aaron/Clowes

The Pershing Square Signature Center, the permanent home of Signature Theatre, is a three-theatre facility on West 42nd Street, Jim Houghton Way, designed by Frank Gehry Architects to host Signature’s three distinct playwrights’ residencies and foster a cultural community. The Center is a major contribution to New York City’s cultural landscape and provides a venue for cultural organizations that supports and encourages collaboration among artists throughout the space. In addition to its three intimate theatres, the Center features a studio theatre, rehearsal studio, a bookstore, and the Signature Café + Bar. For more information on renting the Center, please visit www.signaturetheatre.org/rent-our-space. Please Note: LIFELINE is not a production of Signature Theatre.

For more information about the musical 'Lifeline' and its past production history, as well as insights into antimicrobial resistance, please visit the official website: www.lifelinemusical.com