Alex Kanefsky
WELCOME!
I’m a writer based in Bristol, with a background in devising, physical, and family theatre for nearly two decades.
Since 2021 I’ve been focusing on writing for different audiences, including musicals, audio shows, theatre for young performers and commissions. You can find some of my productions below.
I’m always interested in meeting new collaborators, venues or audiences. Please get in touch if there’s anything you’d like to discuss.
Represented by JBR Creative Management
Cable Street
With Tim Gilvin (music and lyrics). Produced by 10to4 Productions, directed by Adam Lenson
It’s October 1936 in the heart of London’s East End.
Sammy, Mairead and Ron are carving out their own futures on Cable Street when Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists start to march on East London.
Half a million Jews, Irish workers and communists unite to blockade the road they call home.
As the people raise their voices and take a united stand against hatred, the lives of the streets’ residents are changed forever.
Featuring a contemporary score, Cable Street is an electrifying reimagining of one of London’s most significant days.
A celebration of community and a rallying call to action, this timeless story is as powerful today as it ever was.
Cable Street received three Sold Out London runs, at the Southwark Playhouse (Large and Elephant), and Marylebone Theatre respectively, before transferring to 59E59 to Play Off-Broadway this Spring.
All For Your Delight
with songs by Darren Clark. Produced by Farnham Maltings. UK Tour 2025-26.
A theatre experience celebrating variety and the world of live entertainers.
Meet the Brightcoats: they’re on a mission to give you and your family the best darn night out you’ve had in years. Comedy, music, magic and games, these legendary performers do it all!
Expect glitter, gags and a sprinkling of "good times" sparkle in this brand new play developed by Farnham Maltings.
From the award-winning Farnham Maltings, All For Your Delight is a sparkling production, brimming with heart and humanity, that explores what it really takes to put on a proper good night out.
Produced by Farnham Maltings. Toured to rural, community and traditional venues around the UK in 2025-6.
The Tailor of Gloucester
with songs by Darren Clark. Produced by Farnham Maltings.
Inspired by the original Tale by Beatrix Potter, this is a bold adaptation of The Tailor of Gloucester produced by Farnham Maltings adapted by Alex Kanefsky with music & lyrics by Darren Clark.
Four fabulous actor-musicians bring Beatrix Potter’s beautiful story to dazzling new life, retold through the eyes of the resourceful mice who live between the hems and stitches. With live music, inventive puppetry and a wardrobe of surprises, the story whirls into the twenty-first century.
This heart-warming tale of kindness, creativity and courage is perfect for family audiences – a story that shows the importance of doing what’s right even when no one is watching.
This is Beatrix Potter as you’ve never experienced her before: mischievous, musical and tailor-made for anyone aged 3 and above.
The Great Floating Paper Balloon Radio Show
Paper Balloon Theatre Production made in 2020-2021 Radio Show
Listen on Spotify
A team of balloonists are hopelessly trapped in space, with nothing to do but eat sardine-flavoured Hula Hoops and tell each other stories… But they are running out of ideas and need your help!
The Boy and The Mermaid
Developed with Paper Balloon Theatre, the piece has toured to 27 venues around the UK 2017 - 2020.
On the farthest edge of a wind-battered rock there sits a small fishing town. Sometimes it feels like the town is on the edge of the world…
Join three shanty-mad fishermen as they weave a fishy tale of musical merfolk, menacing monsters and spectacularly bad town planning.
"A MOVING TALE, TOLD BEAUTIFULLY"
THE FAMILY STAGE
The Story of the Breaker Makers
This story was commissioned by Sutton House, Hackney to celebrate the public opening of the Breaker's Yard.
Did you know there's an underground river that runs from Clissold Park to Clapton?
But that's not the secret bit...
Anansi and the Basket of Stories in 26 Characters: Celebrating Childhood Story Heroes
This classic trickster tale of how Anansi the Spider became keeper of stories was commissioned by the Story Museum as part of their exhibition in 2014. It was published in a collection the same year. What a privilege to have my writing included alongside some of my favourite writers of all time! You can order copies of the book here.
To hear a recorded version of the story, check out my storytelling page
Once, there were no stories in the world. Anansi the Spider Man decided that he would like to buy some. So he climbed to the top of the very tallest mountain, and shouted up at the sky.
Night Light
I wrote this piece for Paper Balloon Theatre's first production. An original piece of theatre for young audiences, it was created in a collaboration with a group of deviser-performers and a director: a very interesting process that I continue to enjoy working with.
For more info on this production, please visit the Paper Balloon website
