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Cable Street

 
Richard Beck Review by Richard Beck 3 Published: 31 Jan 2026 Marylebone Theatre Show Dates: 16 Jan 2026-28 Feb 2026

This year marks the 90th anniversary of Oswald Mosley’s attempted march down Cable Street, when he led the British Union of Fascists (BUF) through an area at the heart of his antisemitism.

The show features powerful performances

That was not just an affront to the large Jewish population there, but to all who lived in the East End of London. Consequently, communists, anarchists and swathes of Irish dockers and other workers, along with local residents, took to the streets and eventually caused the march to be abandoned. Their success was achieved despite the presence of 6,000 police, who cleared barricades and used mounted and baton charges against protesters to fulfil their protective escort duties for the blackshirts.

Les Misérables proves that this sort of material can be the stuff of musicals, and Cable Street confirmed that with two highly successful runs at Southwark Playhouse in 2024. Now it resurfaces at the Marylebone Theatre, directed by Adam Lenson, where it’s hard to imagine that the strings of four- and five-star ratings that adorn the posters will be replicated.

Alex Kanefsky’s book concerns three parallel stories about families who are Jewish, Irish and working class, and is consumed by the hardships of the period and the attitudes that exist between the different communities. In various ways, the families and individuals within them respond to their circumstances and to emerging events, such as the rise of fascism, the shortage of work, and the lack of secure housing.

A present-day group of people on a guided tour of the area provides a framework for the recounting of history, made relevant only by a woman trying to trace her ancestor. However, it’s a device that could be dispensed with. The stage is a hive of activity, and the versatile set by Yoav Segal copes admirably. The three rooms for the families are regularly taken apart and reassembled as other locations are created in between. The multiple stories weave their way in and out, often as staccato interludes that take an adept mind to follow.

The show features powerful performances from the likes of Isaac Gryn, Preeya Kalidas, Romona Lewis-Malley, Ethan Pascal Peters, Jez Unwin and Barney Wilkinson, within an energetic ensemble. The musical styles reflect the backgrounds of the people, although the fashionable raps seem out of place. Like most musicals, it’s very loud, courtesy of the fully miked stage, although that does not always help convey the lyrics, which might also reflect poor enunciation in places. Opportunities to significantly lower the volume are rarely taken.

The musical’s message resonates across the years, however, and there are strong links to the Spanish civil war, with the cry of “¡No pasarán!” (“They shall not pass”) resounding as a universal motto, while connections to our own times are easily made.

The show has already been back to the drawing board, but it needs to return for further editing to be made more slick and coherent.

Amir Nisi

Richard Beck

A graduate in theology and education, Richard acted and contributed to dance, drama and music productions throughout his teaching career. He joined Broadway Baby in 2014 and is now our Editor-in-Chief. He usually disappears to warmer climes for the winter to pursue his passion for travel.

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The Blurb:

Following two completely sold-out runs at Southwark Playhouse last year, the musical Cable Street returns to London with its latest iteration.

Presented by 10 to 4 Productions, written by Tim Gilvin and Alex Kanefsky and directed by Adam Lenson, this exciting production takes us back to October 1936, in the heart of London’s East End. Sammy, Mairead and Ron are carving out their own futures on Cable Street when Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists start to march on East London. 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.

Featuring a powerful and contemporary score (listen below), Cable Street is an electrifying reimagining of one of London’s most significant days.

A celebration of community and a rallying call to action, this timeless story is as powerful today as it ever was.

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