Cable Street tells a story of the diverse communities of London as they face down the very forces that sought to divide them. This timeless story is as powerful now as it ever was, echoing the same tensions and fears that still resonate today. At a time of fear and division, neighbours refused to be silenced. Jews, Irish dockers, trade unionists, communists and ordinary locals – more than a hundred thousand strong – came together to defend the street they called home.
Once again the Marylebone Theatre has managed to host a West End style and scale of production. The star of the show being the incredible lighting from Sam Waddington and Ben Jacobs. The production shots speak for themselves. It is no mean feat to achieve this in a venue that doesn’t have any fly bars – everything has to be rigged from scaff towers or ladders. The depth and height is put to full use and the lighting integration into the brilliant set design is fabulous!
This musical is on point right now – charting the rise of the “Black Shirts” and their fascism, who blame immigrants for their rent increases and lack of employment opportunities, is of course happening right now in our World. With Reform UK stirring lies and hate towards minorities while admiring Trump with his ICE murderers ripping children from their families, it’s a stark warning for the perils of our times.
The musical is too long. At nearly 3 hours (including an interval) and many solo songs it is in need of a significant trim. The songs don’t always add to the story, they tend to repeat the text. And the sound occasionally retains the heavy reverb past the song and into the dialogue of the next scene. The choreography in the first half is really good even if the Black Shirts opening number is slightly comedic and reminiscent of “Springtime for Hitler” from The Producers while the main theme sounds rather like it’s from Hercules the Musical. I did want the emotion to be heightened further for such important subject matter.
Having said that, the cast are absolutely terrific! A cast of 13 multi-role and we get to see them perform substantially differently with many costume changes. There must be a lot going on backstage for this production. Standout performances from Debbie Chazen and Jez Unwin.
Musical supervisor Tamara Saringer brings a strong sense of musicality, enriching it with depth and precision. At the helm, director Adam Lenson expertly marshals this ambitious undertaking, shaping it with clarity and confidence. His vision is evident in the meticulous construction of each scene, where no moment feels incidental. The result is a production marked by unwavering conviction and a striking attention to detail.
A few minutes walk from Baker Street makes this one of the most easily accessible venues in London and it’s a venue which isn’t charging West End ticket prices!
Photo credit: Johan Persson
Aoife Mac Namara Orlaith
Annie Majin Ensemble
Barney Wilkinson Ron
Debbie Chazen Kathleen / Oonagh / Mrs Gertz
Ethan Pascal Peters Moishe
Isaac Gryn Sammy
Jez Unwin Yitzhak / Mick
Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly Mairead
Max Alexander-Taylor Sean
Michali Dantes Ensemble
Natalie Elisha-Welsh Rachel
Preeya Kalidas Edie / Elizabeth
Romona Lewis-Malley Rosa
Composer/Lyricist Tim Gilvin
Writer Alex Kanefsky
Director Adam Lenson
Producer Dylan Scholsberg
Associate Producer Neil Marcus
Musical Supervisor Tamara Saringer
Choreographer Jevan Howard Jones
Costume Designer Lu Herbert
Lighting Designer Sam Waddington and Ben Jacobs
Casting Director Olivia Laydon for Jill Green Casting
Artwork Bob King
Set Designer Yoav Segal
Cable Street
Friday 16th January 2025 – Saturday 28th February 2026
Marylebone Theatre, 35 Park Road, London NW1 6XT
Tickets are available from £20 at www.marylebonetheatre.com
Running Time 2 hours 20 minutes including interval
Guidance Recommended for ages 13+
www.cablestreetmusical.com
Social Media @marylebonetheatre, @Cablestmusical
Soundtrack https://soundcloud.com/cable-street-musical/sets/cable-street