“If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough – it will be believed.”
It’s 1939. On the border between Germany and Poland, the shadow of fascism is inching closer. Hitler has a plan: stage a violent Polish attack on a German-speaking radio station, and use the attack to justify a Nazi invasion. But how do you pull off an act of deception designed to keep the UK from entering into a World War?
German farmer Franciszek Honiok finds himself arrested and imprisoned in a jail cell on the border. Alongside him are two prisoners from Dachau: a Jewish philosopher and a German janitor. As the mission looms closer and tensions build, the three men must wrestle with an impossible unknown. Can they survive a plan much bigger than themselves? And are they the ‘canned goods’ their captors keep discussing?
Making its London premiere after several critically acclaimed US runs, Canned Goods tells the gripping true story of a little-known – but pivotal – moment in history. Still relevant today, Erik Kahn’s edge-of-your seat thriller explores the knife edge of propaganda, ‘fake news’ and how those in power bend the truth for their own agenda.
This play uses dramatic devices to replicate the antisemitism of Nazi SS officers which include directly addressing the audience in a way they may find distressing. If you would like to know more about what is involved please do get in touch with us before booking and/or ahead of your visit. If you are affected by any of the themes in the piece please do reach out to one of the Southwark Playhouse team who can provide you with an information sheet for further support.
Access Performances
Captioned: Wednesday 5 February 7.30pm
★★★★★ “A momentous piece of theatre” Broadway World
★★★★★ “Terrifyingly current and timely… unmissable” Shiny Life
★★★★★ “Packs a punch” Theatre News
★★★★★ “About the truth of a story and why it matters” A Young-ish Perspective
Details
Theatre: The Large
Mon – Sat: 7.30pm
Tue & Sat: 3pm
Running Time: 90 mins
No interval and no re-entry.
We strongly advise that you arrive early and take your seats in advance of the start time as there is a no latecomers policy.
This production contains haze, flashing lights, antisemitism, xenophobia, Nazi imagery, mention of child death, weapons, violence, and depiction of execution.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Captioned: Wednesday 5 February 7.30pm
Photography
PRODUCTION SHOTS
Photography by Mark Senior
Learn more about the show
The Company
Charlie Archer
CAST
Joe Mallalieu
CAST
Danny Mellor
CAST
Dan Parr
CAST
Rowan Polonski
CAST
