The Music of The Cable
Music Rehearsals are Underway for The Cable
This week, rehearsals are underway for The Cable and the theatre stage looks like a stunning scene from 1800s Valentia Island. Cast, crew and musicians have been working hard to bring the audience on the most perfect theatrical journey. Musicians Tom Hanafin and Katie Lucy will perform ambient Irish music live during the show each night.
Tom was involved with Siamsa Tíre for over 36 years, serving as Musical Director of the National Folk Theatre from 2000 to 2022. A skilled traditional musician, Tom composed and arranged music for major productions including Oisín, Samhain, and Tearmann, and directed the acclaimed show TURAS. He founded the Trad Connections series, supported emerging talent, and kept performances alive online during lockdown. In 2018, his compositions featured in Ceol sa Chroí, a major collaboration for Siamsa’s 50th anniversary. Now running Kingdom Video Productions, Tom returns to perform in The Cable, reconnecting with the stage he helped shape.
Katie holds a First Class Honours Master’s in Performance from the Irish World Academy, University of Limerick, and a Bachelor of Education from Mary Immaculate College, where she received a JP McManus All-Ireland Scholarship. She teaches and performs traditional music, working closely with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to prepare underage Céilí Bands, Grupaí Cheoil and others for Fleadh Cheoil competitions. She has won three All-Ireland titles at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and performed at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards. A community cast member with Siamsa Tíre for over 20 years, Katie has performed in many Siamsa Tíre productions and toured nationally and internationally. She recently appeared in the Gaelic Roots show in Killarney.
Keep up-to-date
- 📖 The Cable Blog: Find out all there is to know about The Cable including the history, cast interviews, and go behind the scenes.
- 🎧 Listen Back: Joe McGill from Radio Kerry interviews Mike Kelly & Aidan Dooley about The Cable (starts at the 43min mark).
- 💻 Visit The Cable Play Website For more information on the play and touring dates.
- 📰 Irish Examiner Article: Read this great article about The Cable from The Irish Examiner Newspaper 16th July 2025.
The Cable
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.
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.
Date: 17th-20th July 2025 @8pm
Tickets (€29 / €27.50) Early booking is strongly recommended.
Written and Performed by: Mike Kelly
Dramaturg and Director: Aidan Dooley
Music by: Dave McGilton
Lighting Design by: John Hurley
Graphics by: Aisling Carmody
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
