London Living Reviews: Cable Street, Southwark Playhouse
On Monday, London Living was invited to attend the press night for Cable Street. Now showing at Southwark Playhouse in Elephant and Castle, a fitting location known for its diverse, blending of cultures, this new musical centres around the very real events known as “The Battle of Cable Street” in 1936.
A new musical by Adam Lenson, with music and lyrics by Tim Gilvin (read his London Grilling here), the stage is set with the gloomy backdrop of a working-class, East London district.
The show begins in modern day, Cable Street, where we meet an American woman (portrayed by the show-stopping Debbie Chazen) tracing the roots of her mother, a poet that grew up on the street. She joins a tour group exploring the area: “Welcome to East London, where the history is rich, and the people are poor.”
As the tour begins, we are transported to 1936 where our modern-day tourists are transformed to the residence of Cable Street as their perfectly blended voices let us know “this is our street” in an electric opening number [Overture/My street].
It is here we meet our three main characters: Mairead, played by Sha Dessi, Sammy, played by Joshua Ginsberg, and Ron, played by Danny Colligan. Dessi and Colligan portray second generation immigrants from Irish and Jewish communities struggling to belong.
Colligan’s portrayal of Ron depicts a British native who is new to London. All three young people are lost amid the rising unease of the impending social and political revolution.
A total cast of 11performers brought the house down as they played multiple roles, with several cast playing live musical instruments. Debbie Chazen switches her rolling pin for a police baton as she changes from a passionateJewish woman to a tough, cold-hearted member ofthe BUF. The crowd cheered in amazement as Jez Unwin’s ballad from as a concerned Jewish father finished in his seamless transformation to Mosley, a fascist totalitarian leading the marches on Cable Street.
As we follow the lives and struggles of the families and members of the BUF, it comes to a head with the great battle on Cable Street where we see Ethan Pascal Peter, the meek brother of Sammy, stand up to Colligan’s Ron (now a reluctant recruit of the BUF) and end up near dead from Ron’s emotional outburst.
Cable Street expertly infused music from many genres (modern rap, classic ballads, Jewish hymns etc) reflecting the beautiful melting pot of cultures that resides on Cable Street. Whilst the idea of this may seem unachievable, it made for a rich experience that kept audiences engaged throughout the 145 minute run time.
Our review would not be complete without mentioning the outstanding, passionate vocals from powerhouse Sophia Ragavelas. Portraying both a terrified mother, beaten down by the world, and a renowned New York Times writer and activist (serving as a mentor to Mairead), her crisp, clear vocals brought many to tears.
As the story ends with our characters hopeful for the future, and the revelation that our modern-day tourist is in fact the daughter of Mairead, the cast unsurprisingly received an extended round of applause and a standing ovation.
As the audience leaves behind a performance of the historically-accurate turmoil of violence and discrimination from decades before, there’s a poignant feeling that hangs in the air as we exit the theatre. We are all wondering the same thing: “have things really changed all that much?
Don’t miss out on your chance to see Cable Street at Southwark Playhouse
The Large, Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BD
BOX OFFICE: 020 7407 0234 - boxoffice@southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2024 - £10 Pioneer Preview – all seats £10.
SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY – all seats £16 during previews
MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 16 MARCH - £35 standard / £28 concessions
Evening show: 7:30pm
Matinees: Tuesday and Saturdays at 3pm.
Suggested age 13+
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