New British musical CABLE STREET to premiere at Southwark Playhouse

The world premiere of a new British musical Cable Street, bringing to life a vital part of London’s rich diversity and history, premieres at Southwark Playhouse Borough from 16 February - 16 March 2024.

Cable Street tells the story of the people of the East End and their community solidarity in 1936, as three young impoverished British workers: 19 year old Jewish lad Sammy, Mairead a feisty Irish Catholic baker, and Ron a recent arrival to Cable Street but a Lancastrian born and bred - all try to find work and passionately live their lives in the multi-cultural melting pot that was, and still is, Cable Street E1.

Their lives would change forever on Sunday 4 October 1936, when the East End showed its powerful ability to unite in the face of adversity as the Battle of Cable Street was fought and won - but which side will the youngsters and their families be fighting on?

Full casting is to be announced.

The show is written by composer/lyricist Tim Gilvin and playwright Alex Kanefsky, with direction by Adam Lenson, musical direction by Tamara Saringer, choreography by Melody Sinclair, set design by Yoav Segal, costumes by Lu Herbert, lighting by Sam Waddington, and casting by Sarah Leung.

PlaywrightAlex Kanefsky said: “I’d always been fascinated by the story of Battle of Cable Street. My family have roots in the East End, and when I came to live here, following in their footsteps, I found myself cycling down Cable Street itself. I stopped to look at the huge mural showing the Battle, and it took my breath away. The story still has a semi-mythical hold on popular radical and Jewish history, and I became more and more aware of the parallels with today. A financial depression, political upheaval, and powerful figures scapegoating minorities for all of society’s ills. The battle of 1936 feels a deeply resonant, modern story of hope in dark times.”

Composer/lyricist Tim Gilvin added: “I heard about this part of London’s history in 2016: a time when the politics of division and fear were once again in full swing. The Battle of Cable Street feels like an urgent story to tell today - as history risks repeating itself. Our musical, Cable Street, tells a story of the diverse communities of London coming together to face down the very forces that sought to divide them.”

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