Murder Ballad
Murder Ballad
Direct from sell-out runs Off-Broadway, the West End première of hot new musical Murder Ballad stars Wicked leading lady Kerry Ellis and promises to be the most sensational show you’ll see all year.
A gritty tale of illicit love, Murder Ballad is the story of three New Yorkers caught in a secret love triangle that threatens to destroy them all. Torn between her dependable husband and her dangerous ex, Sara’s adulterous love affair is becoming more and more intense. She wants out, but actions have consequences. The murder ballad has started to play …
A sung-through and immersive rock musical by award-winning playwright Julia Jordan and singer-songwriter Juliana Nash, Murder Ballad is an ingenious and thrilling mix of punchy rock songs, pulpy storytelling, razor-sharp lyrics and irresistible theatrics.
A fearless and self-assured new musical about lust, love and betrayal as well as the complexities of modern relationships, Murder Ballad took New York by storm when it opened in 2013. Now on its way to London’s Arts Theatre starring the supremely talented Kerry Ellis, tickets to this explosive new musical won’t hang around for long.
- Cast
Please note Kerry Ellis will not be performing on the below dates and times: 07/10 5pm 14/10 5pm 21/10 5pm 28/10 5pm 04/11 5pm 11/11 5pm 16/11 8pm 17/11 8pm 02/12 5pm
- Duration
1 hour 30 - straight through
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No refunds after booking
- How Does It Work
You will receive a confirmation email with a voucher attached. Please print this voucher and bring it to the Box Office. We recommend you arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before the show to collect your tickets and settle into your seats.
- Suitable For Children
Warning! Murder Ballad contains content suitable only for adults aged 16 and over which some people may find offensive, including strong language, scenes of a sexual nature (including sexual simulation) and sexual references throughout. In purchasing a ticket for Murder Ballad, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this caution. The producers of Murder Ballad accept no responsibility or liability for any offence that may be caused.
- Where Do I Go
Arts Theatre : 6-7 Great Newport Street, London, WC2H7JB NEAREST TUBE: LEICESTER SQUARE. Take the Cambridge Circus exit (Exit 3). The theatre is the first street on the right.
Critic Reviews
British Theatre
Oct 28, 2016
..as Kerry Ellis, Ramin Karimloo, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt and Norman Bowman create a display of vocal fireworks..
Broadway World
Oct 28, 2016
Murder Ballad is the best original rock musical London has seen in a long while.
Reviews
CIR
Dec 8, 2016
I did not know much about this show but with Kerry Ellis in it I had to go. The cast were all brilliant singers and performers but she was an absolute star. It was so impressive to run straight through and deliver such a high quality performance. I really liked the style and rocky edge to the music. I would recommend this to everyone.
Lizzy M
Dec 6, 2016
Unfortunately this show wasn't great. The actors were fantastic but the storyline was poor and some of the lyrics cringeworthy. The ending left me thinking there was a second half - but then the curtain call came. It didn't seem like the end of the story, but I was glad to get away. I considered it pretty bad value for the ticket price - and I'd got a discounted ticket!
Sam Phillips
Dec 5, 2016
Excellent performances, lots of dramatic action, and really enjoyed the simple but clever staging. I was impressed by the way west end stars such as Karimloo can turn their talents to metal music. However, the combination in genres of musical and metal rock didn't work for me and the vocal style of sustained non vibrato notes was sometimes painful to endure. 80 minutes was long enough for this kind of show but it was genuinely impressive and hats off to the stars as it doesn't stop once it's started!
martin hopkin
Dec 4, 2016
You enter into the small dark intimate Arts theatre and you are greeted by the solitary figure of the narrator ( Victoria Hamilton-Barrritt ) waiting to take on a journey of emotion, love and betrayal. You are waiting for 4 people to take you on the Murder Ballad journey. You have fantastic performances from all 4 people in the show with Kerry Ellis as Sara, the female part of the love triangle, who's great performance from the carefree girl about town who is seduced by the barman, falls in love with mister reliable and is then tempted back to an affair with the now bar owner. show a fantastic ranges emotions and singing. We then have the other 2 points of the triangle Ramin Karimloo ( Tom, bar owner) and Norman Bowman ( Michael, the husband). Both of these give superb performances with the full range of emotions shown off greatly in their vocal ranges from happy to sad or joy to anger another 2 great performance. All of these are held together with the show stopping vocal performance of Victoria Hamilton-Barritt who tell the tale excellently as the narrator with all the dark, sultry of the woman scorned, with all the subtle hints that she maybe dangerous if pushed too far. Overall a fantastic performance by all concerned. A gripping show from start to finish an 80 minute masterpiece.
Angela
Dec 4, 2016
Really great show , excellently executed all round ...couldn't fault the performers , they were amazing ...was very dissapointed not to have been able to buy a programme ! ...'why " .? ...not any to buy ......also the edge of the stage was really built up which gave viewing impossible from the first two rows , I was in the third row which was just about ok but incredibly aching neck having to stretch up to see ...sat on my coat in the end which helped a little ....
Jess
Dec 3, 2016
Amazing performance with top notch actors!
Sue
Dec 2, 2016
I didn't know what to expect however it was brilliant! Very different and although I couldn't always hear what they were singing, I found that the story was easy to follow - the music was great and the cast were excellent! 5*s from me!
Lisa
Dec 1, 2016
Really enjoyed Murder Ballad. Great show with a strong cast and some memorable lines. A bit different to more conventional musicals but well worth seeing.
Kels
Nov 30, 2016
Fun show with fantastic band.
Katiexoxoxox
Nov 29, 2016
Absolutely BRILLIANT. Cannot give enough credits to this show, seen twice and would see again.
Ally
Nov 27, 2016
This was a masterclass in storytelling. Crisp, clean, sharp , moving and so tense. The performances were effortless and so passionate. A story of love and loss and passion and tragedy- the rights and wrongs we debated throughout the night. See this production while you can .
Caroline
Nov 27, 2016
Brilliant - just brilliant. I was hooked from the first note until the last. Very cleverly done with fantastic music and lyrics.
Emma
Nov 25, 2016
Loved every second of this show. All the performers were wonderful, I would highly recommend it
VJ
Nov 23, 2016
A rare opportunity to see stage legends in an intimate setting - all amazing although Victoria Hamilton-Barritt was the stand-out for me. The finale was electric, but I would have liked a few more sparks along the way.
Jenny
Nov 23, 2016
Such amazing talent and the story had me gripped from the first second would love to see it again!
Courtney
Nov 22, 2016
This musical bears a simplisitc plotline and concept that is executed seamlessly. I booked tickets not expecting too much from the musical, but, damn, I was blown away. All actors are incredible and possess convincing chemistry, however Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, who plays the narrator, truly stands out. Even performing alondside legends such as Ellis and Karimloo, she shines. The little details were excellent also, from the projections, to systematic revealings of the house band. I was pleasantly suprised by this musical, a real fun, darkhorse - would definitely recommend.
Katie craven
Nov 21, 2016
Amazing performance, it was funny in parts and good story. Brilliant voices. Would definitely go again
Amanda R
Nov 20, 2016
Didn't know what to expect, so went with open mind. The storyline was excellent and brilliantly performed by a stellar cast with amazing voices. Really should be transferred to a slightly larger venue and run for much longer so more people can see it.
Caroline, Iona & Lily
Nov 20, 2016
Really enjoyed the show. The story was excellent. The set and the staging was superb. The narrators voice was
Gaynor
Nov 18, 2016
Would highly recommend to anyone I was getting a little tired of the same old thing but Murder Ballad is not your average musical. I was gripped by the story throughout and the music was fresh and exciting
Chrissy
Nov 17, 2016
I really enjoyed the performance on Weds 16th November. All the actors were amazing and it kept me guessing until the end. I'm used to the 'normal' running of a musical performance and this was different but enjoyable. Would definitely recommend it to others.
Frans
Nov 15, 2016
Very entertaining show with good performances, highly recommended.
Paul
Nov 14, 2016
This was a very good musical drama, with excellent performances by all the cast. The idea of a melodrama in sung form is great, and music was impressive, but there was a lack of melodies in manyof the songs, and it could have done with a few slower, more reflective moments. The plot twist at the end was clever, but should have been introduced a bit earlier. Overall, a very entertaining show and great singing.
Bob & Harry
Nov 13, 2016
A wonderful ensemble performance from four superb actors with amazing voices. The story-telling is entirely through song and you are taken on an emotional ride that will leave you both drained and exhilarated.
Jill C
Nov 13, 2016
What a treat to see this new show. Everyone of the cast is extraordinary. I would absolutely recommend that if you can get tickets to go and see this. Well done to all concerned.
Cath
Nov 13, 2016
Intimate theatre with amazing stage. This show left us speechless and wanting more. - amazing actors and a great story. So sad it's ending, if you get the chance, go see
Sceptic regarding Musical Theatre
Nov 13, 2016
Although the storyline was fairly predictable, the cast are amazing at singing and their individual parts were really enjoyable, as well as their group verses - the atmosphere was electric at points! The supporting band and music were incredible too. Thanks for renewing my faith in musical theatre!
Jade
Nov 13, 2016
Loved the talented cast (had to remind myself I was in the same room as them sometimes, they were fab!), just wished I could afford being closer to the stage! Very rocky, romantic and ever-so-slightly sinister, but for a cast of six, it was great.
maggiel
Nov 13, 2016
The play was very different from the normal as all the conversation was in song and it was short 90 minutes without interval. I was enthralled with the play, the songs and the acting
mel
Nov 12, 2016
I really cant recommend this show. Although all 4 are great singers, there was no emotion in this show and I wondered why it bothered. it was not engaging. sorry.
Kelli
Nov 11, 2016
Excellent. Very entertaining! Would see it again.
Martin
Nov 6, 2016
Intense show with a great rock score and superb performances by all the cast. Catch it while you can.
EmC
Nov 3, 2016
I went to the show not sure if I would enjoy it or not but came out completely speechless everyone in the cast was amazing but Victoria Hamilton-Barritt stole the show! She's one of the most talented people I've ever seen in a musical and plays the Narrator brilliantly!
Kaley S
Nov 2, 2016
A rock musical that has a sex appeal!
Panos
Oct 30, 2016
Amazing
Helen
Oct 30, 2016
What a great show! Didn't know what exactly it was about but the story was told beautifully. The cast were amazing. Quality stars. Super small venue. Ramin with no shirt. Highly recommend this to anyone!
Emma cumberbatch
Oct 30, 2016
A very "Broadway-esque" stylised show, beautifully narrated and presented by Victoria Hamilton-Barritt. Kerry Ellis's vocal simplicity is as stunning as ever. Both Ramin & Norman are equally as superb. Interesting twist at the end, where the show gathered some dynamic with deeper characterisations. Intense hour and a half and well staged. Lovely venue; intimate and appropriate to the narrative.
Di
Oct 30, 2016
Great performances and vocals from all 4 main characters. Twist in the tale at the end. Kept me interested and invested in the story. Great music throughout.
Ellis
Oct 30, 2016
Such an amazing show. Kerry Ellis and Ramin Karimloo was obviously their ridiculous standard and just amazing. We had Natalie McQueen as our Narestored and she was just fantastic. Such a powerful voice. And I fell in LOVE with Norman Bowman. Will be following these guys in other productions. Defiantly go and see. An amazing show.
Nicky CG
Oct 28, 2016
As a big fan of Kerry Ellis I knew it was going to be good! Although only a small theatre it felt like right place for this show! Hooked from the moment it started with the non stop signing all the way through will kept you hooked on the stiryline! Great show from start to finish and fabulous signing by everybody! I have already been spreading the word as to how good it was! It's a shame it's not on for long!
LiSa
Oct 27, 2016
Even though Murder Ballad wasn’t completely new for us, having listened to the album rather excessively, we were still blown away by seeing it live, the staging, acting and singing coming together beautifully. Kerry Ellis, Norman Bowman and Ramin Karimloo bring to life an overwhelmed Sara yearning for some excitement, her slightly condescending yet caring husband Michael, and Tom, Sara’s reckless ex lamenting " the one who got away". The three characters are observed by Victoria Hamilton-Barritt's aloof and entertainingly deranged narrator. As the characters' worlds come crashing down, their descent into rage, despair and hate ultimately coalescing into one character’s moment of madness is as mesmerising as the incredible score. If you're in London and enjoy musicals or rock operas, this is a must-see. (We were back the following day.)
Remy
Oct 25, 2016
From the very first song, I was hooked! Great performances from the four leads. Loved the intimate setting of the theatre too.
Aniko
Oct 25, 2016
Amazing performance over all, singing, acting and the story. Simple sets used yet turned out a brilliant production.
Dave henigan
Oct 23, 2016
Four top actors and actresses and boy they do not let you down. Singing from the word go scenes are set by the Bluesy tones and stares backed by the orchestra. Every scene is dynamic and the sones all catchy. OK the story is nothing new but the acting and singing of all cast members more than makes up for it. Go see now
luddoG
Oct 22, 2016
Add show fan of both Ramin & Kerry I jumped at the tickets. First disappointment was the Kerry Ellis no show, then the over acting under study and finally the someone's cringe worthy lyrics. On the plus side Ramin did great and the music was good.
Holly
Oct 21, 2016
All 4 cast members were brilliant! Really enjoyed this
Jurate
Oct 19, 2016
Very nice music, strong voices, nice performance, all details were thought about. Recommended!!!
Georgie Coombs
Oct 19, 2016
Absolutely incredible!
Oracle28
Oct 18, 2016
In this new (and New York) musical Sara (Kerry Ellis) warbles" who will I be between 10 and 3" when her child starts school and I felt deeply envious as when my children were small I was a wage slave between 9-5 wondering whether it would be very bad to take the kiddies to Morrisons cafe for the third night running. In the event she decides to have a fling with former flame Tom (the lovely Ramin Karimloo) although I went off Tom when he morphed from steamy hunk to clingy whinger to fully fledged bunny boiler in quick succession. Sara's noble husband Michael (Norman Bowman)sings sadly in a non judgemental way. The cast sing their lungs out (special mention to Human Leagueish Victoria Hamilton - Barrett ), the band's terrific. Go see.
Susan Haddon
Oct 18, 2016
What a stellar cast, who were electric and almost bounced off the stage with talent and enthusiasm! Great to see a new show, which edgy rock music and modern themes! Thanks for a great nights entertainment!