Seven years on from college, six old friends reunite for a weekend in the house they used to share to bid farewell to each other and their old faithful piano. Having dreamed of becoming successful artists, it becomes clear that some of them have made it – and some have not. Friendships are tested, relationships reshaped and questions raised about who gets to make art. Our Seventh String is a brand new folk musical from Paperfolk Theatre featuring lovely lyrical music by Emily Napolitano, Henry Smith and Lauren Green.

There are seven characters in this perky 45 minute show so a lot of narrative is squashed into a little time. Kaia (Nano Muna) has become a renowned singer. Frances (Miriam Ellins) has returned from trying to make her way as an artist in London. Thea (Harper Elwyn) is now a writer but isn’t convinced that that’s enough. Bo (Milo Pennefather) worries that their relationship is a distraction from making their art. Baz (Jesse Anderson) has sold out – in the eyes of his friends – taken a job in the city and, in an enjoyable song, is revelling in being richer now. The seventh string is Rowan (Andrew Vassett), a wide-eyed delightfully sweet non-artist in amongst this soup of frustrated creativity.

The performers accompany their songs with guitars and percussion with additional foot-tappy texture and depth provided by Freya Green on the cello and Sarah Conniff on the violin. The show is nicely staged in the round by Lauren Green in a beautiful old church but the instruments are amplified and the performers are not, making hearing all of the lyrics occasionally difficult. The cast are talented, energetic performers and their gorgeous vocal harmonies are a particular treat. The tension in this script comes from the age old debate about making art versus making money but the songs are the jewel in this crown.

Our Seventh String is at Venue 45 at theSpace @ Venue 45 until Sat 22 Aug 2026