The cast and creative team have been announced for the critically acclaimed U.S. production of Canned Goods, which will make its highly anticipated London debut at Southwark Playhouse Borough in the New Year. Set in 1939, as World War II looms, the production uncovers hidden histories, revealing untold stories of survival and deception in a world on the brink of war. After several successful U.S. runs, the show arrives in London to tell the true story of a little-known but pivotal moment in history. With a brilliant cast and creative team on board to bring the story to life, the play explores a chilling narrative of power, propaganda, and manipulation – themes that are strikingly relevant today. Erik Kahn’s edge-of-your-seat thriller examines the dangers of ‘fake news’ –and the shattering consequences of the theatre of deception.
The cast includes Tom Wells (Waterloo Road, EastEnders) as Franciszek Honiok, a German farmer imprisoned in a cell on the border between Germany and Poland. Imprisoned with him are a Jewish philosopher, played by Charlie Archer (Mission: Impossible – Fallout, New Blood), and a German janitor, played by Rowan Polonski (Kingsman: The Secret Service, Good Omens).
Watching over the prison are Dan Parr (Silent Witness, Casualty) as SS Major Naujocks and Joe Mallalieu (Coronation Street, Endeavour) as the Guard. Danny Mellor (Happy Valley, The Full Monty) joins the cast as the swing.
The creative team includes writer Erik Kahn (Moses in Berlin, More Equal) and director Charlotte Cohn (Church & State, Baltimore in Black and White). The production also features set and costume designer Mona Camille (Kim’s Convenience, Henry V), lighting designer Ryan Joseph Stafford (Snakes and Ladders, Hir), sound designer Anna Short (Beyond Her Years, Lady Dealer), and casting directors Jessica Jefferies (Disney, Universal Studios) and Emma Sylvester (Doctors, Father Brown).
Set against the backdrop of the tense and volatile Germany border with Poland in 1939, Canned Goods explores the looming threat of fascism as World War II draws closer. Hitler orchestrates a violent false flag operation—a faked Polish attack on a German-speaking radio station— to justify Germany’s invasion of Poland. This chilling plan sets the stage for a gripping story of survival and redemption. As the mission approaches and the pressure intensifies, the three men are forced to confront a terrifying and far-reaching plot much larger than they could have ever imagined.
Writer Erik Kahn comments, Canned Goods is based on real historical events designed to keep the UK out of WWII long enough for Hitler to launch an early attack on Russia. The heart of the story is the people behind the history - the relationship between three trapped men and the SS Major who controls their physical fate, but not their ultimate humanity. Charlotte Cohn, who directed the US premiere of Canned Goods, brings a sensitivity and depth to the play. The cast and director all exhibit a keen interest in the history of the operation, as well as a sense of humour and rebellion that is necessary to survive the absurdity of war. Mona Camille and her team have created an innovative set design that brings the audience into the action. Hopefully this production will leave the audience thinking and questioning.
Dates Thursday 16th January – Saturday 8th February 2025, 3pm (matinee) and 7:30pm
Running Time 90 minutes (no interval)
