SAPPHO: The Poetess is a musical memoir written and performed by Hayley Canham, known for her work in The Three Musketeers: Trois at the Barn Theatre and On Your Bike at Elektronik Theatre.
The production is directed by Hannah Hauer-King, recognised for her direction of The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs at the Kiln Theatre and The Swell at the Orange Tree Theatre.
This work is based on Sappho (c. 630–570 BCE), a renowned lyric poet from the Greek island of Lesbos. Unlike Homer, who depicted stories of heroes and gods, Sappho wrote about the intimate aspects of human experience, including love, longing, friendship, and beauty.
Sappho’s verses were originally performed with music, creating a deeply personal style that has inspired later generations. Although much of her work has survived only in fragments, her influence endures.
Plato referred to her as “the Tenth Muse,” and her name and homeland gave rise to the modern terms “sapphic” and “lesbian.” Today, Sappho is celebrated not only as a pioneering poet but also as a symbol of female creativity and same-sex love in the ancient world.
“I first read Sappho’s poetry when I was 15 – there’s not much of it after all – and have been in love with her ever since. While writing this show, I’ve tried to stay faithful to what we know about her, and I can’t wait to bring this remarkable woman back to life on stage.”
Hayley Canham
A video featuring Hayley Canham singing Burning as One has been released.
Hannah Hauer-King told QX: “When I first met Hayley, I already knew of Sappho as a lesbian icon of sorts, but what I could never have predicted is how powerfully she could be brought to life through music and theatre. Hayley’s ingenious conception of her as a rockstar and lyricist makes this a story audiences won’t forget. A show not only for existing lovers of Sappho and music enthusiasts, but also for anyone who knows what it’s like to dare to be different.”
DEM producers Ramin Sabi and Emily Lunnon added: “Less than one year ago, on the judging panel for BEAM, we witnessed Hayley Canham pitch 10 minutes of musical theatre that instantly blew us away. Uniquely memorable songs with a performance so captivating and ideas so clear, we’ve never taken on a project so quickly. We’re proud to develop and produce new British musicals. Under Hannah Hauer-King’s exceptional direction, we’re confident audiences of this first workshop production of Sappho will be part of a completely new step in the art form.”
All tickets are £15
Sappho: The Poetess runs from 29 October to 1 November 2025 at The Other Palace, 12 Palace St, London SW1E 5JA, United Kingdom.
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