The Cable That Changed the World Inspires New Drama at Siamsa Tíre

Siamsa Tíre is proud to present The Cable, a powerful new drama that interweaves personal story and historical moment. Co-produced by Siamsa Tíre and directed by the internationally acclaimed Aidan Dooley, creator of Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer. This evocative one man show is written and performed by Mike Kelly and it will run nightly from 17th to 20th July at 8:00 PM at the Siamsa Tíre Theatre and Arts Centre located in the heart of Tralee town. 

Set against the backdrop of the monumental laying of the Transatlantic Cable on Valentia Island in 1866 — known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” — The Cable explores how a family’s emotional struggles mirror a world on the brink of a communications revolution. 

“The cable that changed the world — as one family waits for a single word.”  

The Cable is a poignant exploration of loss, hope, and the universal longing for connection. Blending the compelling visual storytelling shaped by Mike Kelly with haunting original music by Dave McGilton, evocative lighting design by John Hurley, and the creative direction of Aidan Dooley, The Cable captures the intersection of technological achievement and human longing.  

Audiences can expect a theatrical experience that stirs the soul and ignites the imagination — a compelling narrative of personal and historical transformation set against one of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes – a story that deeply resonates. 

“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: 
“Returning to Siamsa Tíre with a 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 Transatlantic Cable, which ran from Valentia Island, Co. Kerry, to Heart’s Content, Newfoundland, spanned over 3,000 kilometres beneath the Atlantic Ocean and revolutionised global communication by reducing message transmission across continents from weeks to mere minutes. As the world changed forever, so too did the lives of those at its edges — a truth brought vividly to life in this stirring production. 

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 the miracle and the paradox of connection: how a technological leap in the 1800s brought people closer, while today, despite constant digital contact, we often feel more emotionally distant. It’s a universal story that speaks to everyone told through a local lens — beautifully crafted, musically rich, and emotionally powerful.” 

Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical event where history, heart, and heritage meet on 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. 

Why not make a weekend of it in the Kingdom of Kerry? Enjoy a wide choice of hotels and restaurants, and the welcoming comfort of the iconic Siamsa Tíre Theatre and Arts Centre, nestled in the heart of Tralee on the Wild Atlantic Way. With ample parking, full accessibility, and a fully licensed bar, everything is in place for a perfect evening.  

Tickets (€29 / €27.50) are available now at www.siamsatire.com or by calling the Box Office at 066 7123055. Early booking is strongly recommended. 

Siamsa Tíre is proudly funded by The Arts Council of Ireland, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Kerry County Council and Kerry Group and supported by Orbitus.  

For more information visit our Events Page