Art & Culture
Three Ghosts of Silvertown – and What’s Next for the Newham Plays
From a powerful reimagining of the 1889 Silvertown Strike to new opportunities for local young people, Three Ghosts of Silvertown showcased the creative talent, ambition and community spirit driving the next chapter of the Newham Plays.
Newham Plays returned this summer with its seventh and boldest production yet, Three Ghosts of Silvertown. Staged at the historic Tate Institute in the Royal Docks, the play took audiences on a haunting journey through east London led by three ghosts resurrected from the streets of Silvertown at the turn of the 20th century.
Inspired by the 1889 Silvertown Strike and the extraordinary history of the area, Three Ghosts of Silvertown brought three working-class ghosts back to life, re-imaging the famous strike led by Eleanor Marx but with a very different ending. Combining spoken word, movement, drama and a pulsating techno and house soundtrack, the production brought together professional actors and local creatives with a talented ensemble of young people from Newham.
Three Ghosts of Silvertown, the seventh instalment of the Newham Plays staged at the Tate Institute
The Newham Plays' blend of professional practice and community participation was at the heart of Three Ghosts of Silvertown. Supported by the Royal Docks Team, alongside the Royal Docks Trust, Arts in the Docks, the Tate Institute, Middlesex University and others, the production reflected the Royal Docks' ambition to become London's cultural engine: a place where culture is created, produced and shared. The Newham Plays demonstrate that vision in action – by connecting partners across Newham's cultural, community and education sectors, showcasing local creative talent and the impact of collaboration.
The production created meaningful opportunities for young people with auditions held at Beckton Library, opening the door for aspiring performers aged 14-18 to work alongside professional theatre-makers and appear in a major locally produced show. Middlesex University students gained paid placements across graphic design, marketing, social media and production support, helping to build skills and experience within the creative industries.
Sprawling, often exciting attempt to connect local youth with the political activism of Newham’s past
The Stage ⭐⭐⭐
Inspiring, lyrical blend of spoken word and movement that successfully brought the 1889 strike to life.
Theatre & Tonic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Critical responses highlighted the strength of the young cast, with reviewers praising the enthusiasm, talent and energy they brought to the performance. Their success reinforced the significant appetite and potential that already exists within Newham's communities.
Building on this success, the Newham Plays hopes to move from a biennial to an annual programme, creating a more sustained cultural presence in Newham and the Royal Docks. Central to this ambition is the proposed Newham Plays Young Company, which would provide free theatre training and creative opportunities for young people, helping develop skills, confidence and pathways into the creative industries.
Three Ghosts of Silvertown was written by long-time Newham resident James Kenworth and directed by Jade Ward McFarlane.
Watch the screening: Join the Tate Institute on 28 November 2026 for a special premiere screening of Three Ghosts of Silvertown, captured live during Newham Plays' August 2026.
Find out more: meet he playwright behind the production in James Kenworth's Meet the Dockers interview.
