The Cable - Siamsa Tíre

Following its acclaimed debut in summer 2025, Siamsa Tíre's powerful co-production 'The Cable' will embark on a national tour this October, supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.

This evocative one-man play weaves together the compelling storytelling of Mike Kelly, sensitively workshopped and directed by Aidan Dooley (Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer). With an original score by Dave McGilton, recorded music by Tom Hanafin and Katie Lucey, and atmospheric lighting by John Hurley the result is a deeply moving theatrical experience exploring loss, hope, and the enduring human need for connection.

Set during the momentous laying of the Transatlantic Cable on Valentia Island in 1866, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World", The Cable tells the story of a local family caught in a moment of global transformation. As the world stands on the brink of a communications revolution, their personal struggles echo the profound changes unfolding around them.

Audiences are drawn into a rich theatrical experience that blends historical awe with emotional intimacy, a story of global progress seen through a local, deeply personal lens, set against one of Ireland's most dramatic landscapes — a story that deeply resonates.

CEO of Siamsa Tíre, Angela Ryan Whyte, emphasised the importance of the show: "We are proud to present a work so deeply rooted in Kerry's heritage, yet so resonant with today's world. The Cable speaks to both the miracle and the paradox of connection: how a technological breakthrough in the 1800s brought people closer, while today, despite constant digital contact, we can feel more distant than ever. It's a universal story that speaks to everyone, beautifully crafted, musically rich, and emotionally powerful."

Blending family, heartbreak, and history, the production is captured in the line: "The cable that changed the world as one family waits for a single word." "This production is about more than a piece of history," says writer-performer Mike Kelly. "It's about the way we reach for each other across distances, how technology transforms us, and the enduring ties of family and love."

Director Aidan Dooley added: "Sharing this story rooted in Kerry's soil and soul is incredibly meaningful. The Transatlantic Cable is a symbol of global connection, and this play brings that down to a deeply personal level — showing how progress and pain often walk hand in hand."

The historic cable, stretching over 3,000 kilometres from Valentia Island to Heart's Content, Newfoundland, revolutionised communication, shrinking transatlantic messaging from weeks to minutes. As the world changed, so too did the lives of ordinary people — a truth vividly brought to life in The Cable.

Don't miss this unforgettable theatrical event where history, heart, and heritage meet on your local stage. The Cable promises to stir the soul and spark reflection, an extraordinary experience featuring live music, masterful storytelling, and a powerful message that resonates.