CABLE STREET
A NEW MUSICAL BY TIM GILVIN & ALEX KANEFSKY
SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE, BOROUGH
16 FEB – 16 MAR & 6 SEP – 10 OCT 2024
#CABLESTMUSICAL
This is a great show. The two runs are now over, but it fully deserved its autumn return dates.
A multi-talented cast of eleven sing, dance, act and narrate their way through a thoroughly entertaining evening. They tell the story of the legendary Cable Street anti-fascist resistance to the marching columns of Oswald Mosley’s Blackshirts through the largely Jewish East End of London in 1936.
So refreshing to see such a diverse ensemble taking on a multitude of roles that defy the ‘naturalistic’ constraints of most TV and film. Refreshing too to see such an inventive use of basic set, costumes and props. Here the imagination trumps sophisticated and expensive ‘realism’ as regards both players’ performances and audience engagement alike.
Lovely songs too from Tim Gilvin. The standouts are ‘Bread and Roses’, beautifully delivered by Sha Dessi; ‘No Passaran’, a stirring number from Sophia Ragavelas and the ensemble; ‘Only Words’ and ‘Stranger/Sister’, both movingly performed by Jez Unwin and Jade Johnson respectively.
Quite a challenge to tackle this sobering event in our relatively recent history. And not only that, but to relate it our present times – sadly necessary. Full marks to the wonderful Southwark Playhouse for mounting this rare and effective piece of new musical theatre. If you get another chance, go see it.
Anthony Binns