Cable Street – Review

Cable Street: Southwark Playhouse Elephant, London

21st September 2024

★★★★

Following a completely sold-out run, Cable Street returns to the Southwark Playhouse. The show is set in 1936, in the heart of London’s East End when Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists start to march on East London. On this significant day one hundred thousand 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.

This is a particularly relevant story given the current uncertain times. Although it has been 88 years, unfortunately the issues faced by the residents of Cable Street are still prevalent to many living in Britain now. The story is well told, focusing around three families and the second act is particularly moving. There is a diverse range of musical numbers from traditonal musical theatre m to upbeat rap and they are performed well. Danny Colligan and Joshua Ginsberg are particularly strong and stand out amongst this large cast. Mia Overfield also performs ‘Stranger/Sister’ really well, highlighting how sadly many people feel in today’s climate. The cast constantly switch characters and this is done seamlessly, even when it happens onstage it makes sense and does not obstruct the flow of the piece.

Cable Street is performed in a thrust stage but there are times when the blocking could have been more inclusive. The main dialogue and musical numbers are mostly performed to the front section which leave the side seats slightly ignored. Thankfully this is not the case during the superb fight scenes that happen during the second act. The movement on the stage is good considering the small square footage and the large cast number. The second act has some great moments and whilst the first act sets up the characters, it is the second act where they truly come to life and the actual riots are performed extremely well.

Cable Street is a relevant, moving musical. It manages to mix diverse genres of music to create an original piece. It succeeds in reminding the audience that community cannot exist without ‘unity’. It is definitely worth a visit to Southwark Playhouse for.

Cable Street is playing until the 10th October 2024. For more information and tickets click here.

Photo Credit: Jane Hobson