Review: CABLE STREET, Southwark Playhouse (Borough)

Photo credit: Jane Hobson

There is no shortage of musicals that are based on historical events, and now the Southwark Playhouse is entering the fold to shed much-deserved light on another lesser-known piece of British History.

This new musical transports us to London's East End to bear witness to the Battle of Cable Street. We follow the stories of Jewish Sammy, Irish Communist Mairead and Northerner Ron as we see how their lives change when Oswald Mosley’s British Fascist Union (BFU) march on East London on the 4th of October 1936. The people unite against hatred as half a million blockade the street to win against adversity. This show is a reimagining of one of London’s most significant days that celebrates the power of community and the importance of standing for what is right.

Written and composed by Tim Gilvin and Alex Kanefsky, Cable Street features a contemporary score. This suits the provenance as 88 years on it scarily mirrors elements of today’s society. The show has clearly been well researched as the score cleverly weaves in historical facts. Also, if you fancy some extra fun you can play ‘London Place Name Bingo’! There are some catchy songs which capture the swing of the 1930s paired with modern beats. ‘Read All About’ was one of our favourites which featured as an amusing but clever signposting device. There are also heart-breaking ballads which capture the emotions of this character focused show and showcase the vocals of its outstanding cast. Human connection is at the centre of this show demonstrated by the opening and closing numbers transition from ‘My Street’ to ‘Our Street.’ However, some of the songs, particularly those that focus on character development, such as ‘Bread and Roses’ feel far too long. Overall a few verses could be lost at no detriment to the plot of the show or the heart that makes this show special.

The highlight of Cable Street is its excellent ensemble cast dressed in gorgeous period costumes designed by Lu Herbert. Sarah Leung has done a brilliant job casting to reflect the make-up of London. The cast all play multiple parts and have an incredible ability to switch between accents. This is epitomised by Jez Unwin who turns from Jewish father to fascist leader in a spin. Ethan Pascal Peters also deserves a mention switching between meek Moishe, Jamaican and posh newspaper crier and Aoife Mac Namara who plays the violin alongside her many roles. Our three leads are exceptional. Joshua Ginsberg niftily navigates Hamilton-esque prose as hopeful Jewish boy Sammy determined to make a difference. Danny Colligan delivers a beautifully nuanced performance as conflicted Lancashire boy Ron and even as he is drawn into the BFU we root for him. Sha Dessi is a vocal powerhouse full of heart and gumption as she strives for a better future for all.

Directed by Adam Lenson, the show makes excellent use of the Southwark Playhouse’s intimate space. One can only imagine the impact Cable Street could have on a larger stage and with a fuller ensemble, especially when we reach the battle. The titular battle should be the climax however it happens much too soon after the interval and the show instead chooses to focus on the stories of its leads. Momentum builds throughout the first half culminating in the rousing ensemble number ‘No Pasarán!,’ which translates as ‘They shall not pass’ a phrase commonly used in the Spanish Civil War. The battle scene choreographed by Jevan-Howard Jones is tense and elaborate with the small cast regularly switching allegiance. Following the battle, the pace dips as the characters narratives are neatly wrapped up. Cable Street opens not as you would expect it, in the present day. This device of a modern-day tour party brings the impact of the event into the 21st Century but its sporadic nature interrupts the flow and unwittingly spoils one of the leads’ ending.

Cable Street is packed full of potential but ultimately it fails to realise it's power, but with some refinement it could be a truly special show. Nonetheless, it shines a light through the cracks of history to beautifully tell an important and timeless story.

*** Three Stars

Reviewed by Sophie Luck

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