Extra, extra read all about Cable Street, a new political musical set in the 1930s; which intertwines romance and a modern day walking tour in the East end of London. Tim Gilvin’s songs and Alex Kanefsky’s script tackles important themes such as Facism, Anarchy and Socialism.

Adam Lenson’s production was a grand idea that sadly struggled in a small theatre space. The staging at times felt a bit overcrowded when they assembled the barricade; and scene changes and rotation on the set stand props were sometimes clunky. However the staging for inside Camelot House was perfectly done, each flat had a corner of the stage and they slotted in together like pieces of a jigsaw. With that said I think the artistic idea Lenson has would benefit and flourish within a theatre with a bigger stage resulting in having the space to seamlessly transition from scene to scene without the constraints of minimal spacing.

Musically the fusion of genres for the most part worked well together. Beautifully blending Jewish and Irish folk music which at points complemented each other. However, the use of hip-hop & rap by the character Sammy, didn’t blend in as well, feeling like an imitation of Hamilton which sadly fell flat. It was a risk to incorporate this style; which might work well with others but sadly it felt off. But I do have to give credit to Joshua Ginsberg who was spectacular in conveying Sammy’s inner tensions in such a fast pace. Jez Unwin gave a standout performance as Yitzhak, a Jewish patriarch who’s struggling to help his son who is filled with so much anger. Unwin’s incredible transition from Yitzhak, to a leader of a facing regime and then to a 2024 tour guide within a few words was acting at its finest.

Tim Gilvin’s songs and Alex Kanesfsky’s script about the 1936 Battle of Cable Street highlights the importance of unity in the face of oppression when the Jewish, Irish and Caribbean communities band together to resist the violent outbursts at the hands of Oswald Mosley’s BUF, British Union of Fascists. The stories were respectfully portrayed and performed by an incredibly talented cast of 11 actors (2 who also double as musicians) who each gave stand out performances. Switching from character and time period seamlessly and not one person faulted; all were faultless.

The sad reality of the piece is that even though the musical is set in the 1930s, it still echos the world we live in. 2023 saw a spike in Anti-semitism as well as Islamophobia! The consequences of hurtful action are highlighted in Jade Johnson‘s heart wrenching rendition of stranger/sister where she talks about how communities come together during the aftermath of violence.

Catch Cable Street which is currently running at Southwark Playhouse, London, until 16 March- but I hope this musical is given a new life in a bigger theatre!

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