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Fiver returns to Southwark Playhouse in a brand new livestreamed concert after premiering here in 2019 to packed houses and critical acclaim! Fiver was nominated for the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Off-West End Musical, and three West End Wilma Awards, winning Best Performer in an Off West End Show (Luke Bayer.) This concert will feature all of the songs from the 2019 production plus an abridged script and an exclusive performance of a brand new song which Ellison and Lees have written for this concert.
Have you ever looked at a five pound note and wondered ‘Haven’t I seen you somewhere before…?’
Fiver, a new musical by Alex James Ellison and Tom Lees, follows the story of a humble five pound note as it passes through the hands and pockets of people in London. Often unnoticed and obviously unaware, the fiver is present for significant moments in each person’s life – whether it be an appreciation of their skills as a street performer; the start or end of a relationship; or the simple realisation that they can afford a bed for the night.
This beautifully crafted series of musical vignettes explores the value of money, relationships between people, and the relationships between people and their money. Through carefully interwoven narrative threads, we learn the presumed value and worth of a fiver to different types of people, and are present at the key moment when the value of a fiver – given or received – can be dramatically altered by circumstance.
The diverse characters in Fiver are explored through a broad variety of musical styles as we follow our unusual hero through the ups and down of what is – to a fiver – just a normal day.
★★★★ “Feels like a Londonised, smaller scale In The Heights, with a similar sense of exhilaration. Southwark Playhouse scores another bullseye.” WhatsOnStage
★★★★★ “To put it simply – the production is fantastic. The music is brave and exciting and the songs are new, fresh and memorable.” The Upcoming
★★★★ “Southwark Playhouse has made a name for itself in featuring new musicals and inventive revivals. It’s a venue that provides a platform for productions that are lesser-known, but have the potential to go further, and I suspect with Fiver, they have an uncontested hit on their hands.” BroadwayWorld
★★★★ “An absolutely astonishing score. The experience of watching this musical is one of pure uplifting wonderment.” TheatreWeekly
★★★★ “The beautifully written book almost out-Curtises Richard with its charming, whimsical vignettes.” Musical Theatre Review
Please note that there is a content warning in place for Fiver due to a short scene where self-harm is discussed. If you have any concerns about watching this scene please contact box office on 020 7407 0234 or boxoffice@southwarkplayhouse.co.uk and a member of staff can advise you on how it is presented.
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Creative & Production Team
Book, Music, and Lyrics
Alex James Ellison
Tom LeesDirectors
Alex James Ellison
Tom LeesMusical Director
Tom LeesSet Design
Justin WilliamsLighting Design
Alex MusgraveSound Design
Charles ParryStage Manager
Jack EvansAssistant Director
Adam McDonnellLivestream Operator
Bartek PodkowaCamera Operator
Josef Pitura-RileySocial Media Marketing
Digi CreativeSpecial Thanks to:
Adam McDonnell
Jack Evans
Justin Williams
Matt Billups
Steven Tagg
Alex Musgrave
Sam Lees
The Southwark Playhouse TeamCast
Luke Bayer
Dan Buckley
Aoife Clesham
Hiba Elchikhe
Alex James EllisonMusicians
Florian Belbeoch (Cello)
Matt Billups (Drums)
Tom Lees (Keys)
Sam Pegg (Bass) -