Cable Street, a musical where history and today’s realities converge
Cable Street at the Marylebone Theatre is a powerful and thought-provoking musical. Based on the real-life events of 4 October 1936, when the multi-cultural communities of the East End united to block a march by Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists.
The story is told during a historical walking tour of the East End of London where American tourist Kathleen Kenny is discovering her roots, saddened to discover that the building where her mother lived, had since been destroyed.
Guide Mick paints a picture of the history of the people from different communities who lived side by side in the area. The story and songs portray three very different cultures, Jewish, Irish and British, bringing to life the tensions, fears and friendships of ordinary people facing the rise of fascism in Britain.
Cable Street c. Johan Persson
Sammy, the son of a Jewish family, frustrated by lack of work and the prejudices he faces becomes involved in opposing fascism; Ron, a young man from the North of England who is looking for work, with frustrations that make him susceptible to the ideology of the fascists; and Mairead Kenny, an Irish Catholic woman who opposes fascists, and who rallies neighbours to protect their street.
Local people from Jewish families to Irish workers, trade unionists and communists came together to block the fascist march with makeshift barricades, chanting “They shall not pass!” defending their homes and neighbours. Although the march was ultimately stopped, Ron who had embraced the East London tradition of boxing, punches and hurts the more vulnerable Sammy!
Cable Street c.Johan Persson
Sadly, the production draws so many similarities as to what is happening in the world today.
Cable Street is written by Alex Kanefsky with a cast made up of actors who play multiple parts. The songs and music were written by award-winning composer and lyricist, Tim Gilvin who blended folk, Jewish music, and pop with songs that capture the story’s cultural diversity.
The Marylebone Theatre, an intimate space, provides its audiences with high quality productions that ultimately may not be suitable for mainstream theatre.
Cable Street, an Olivier Award nominee, was originally performed at the Southwark Playhouse. Commissioned soon after the 40th anniversary of the battle a large mural which still exists, was painted on the side of St George’s Town Hall in Cable Street. A red plaque in Dock Street also commemorates the confrontation.
Cable Street, the musical runs until Saturday, 28 February 2026. Tickets available from £20.00 www.marylebonetheatre.com
Marylebone Theatre
Rudolf Steiner House
35 Park Road
London NW1 6XT.
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