Cable Street ★★★ Marylebone Theatre | Jan 16 - Feb 28, 2026


In 1936, Oswald Mosley and his British Union of Fascists planned to march through a working-class, multicultural area of East London that was home to many Jewish and immigrant families. When they entered the area they were met with unexpected resistance. The musical Cable Street recounts this historic event from the perspectives of three families: the Scheinbergs, the Kennys and the Williams. Aspiring Jewish boxer Sammy Scheinberg and Irish communist Mairead Kenny lead the opposition to the BUF march, while the unemployed and disaffected Ron Williams becomes involved on the other side of the conflict. The story is framed by a present-day tourist tour of Cable Street, led by Sammy’s nephew and followed by Mairead’s daughter. The characters in Cable Street are fairly one-dimensional, reflecting the polemical nature of the piece, and the cast assumes multiple roles with minimal costume changes and some gender-blind casting, which can occasionally cause confusion. Despite these limitations, however, there are some standout performances. Debbie Chazen convincingly portrays a range of roles, from American tourist to Irish matriarch, while Isaac Gryn, as Sammy, delivers a rap-inflected performance that recalls the energy of Hamilton. Lizzie-Rose Esin-Kelly also shines as Mairead, showcasing some impressive vocal talent. The didactic approach of the show means that, although it expresses important sentiments about solidarity and resistance, it lacks the subtlety of works such as Cabaret, which explores the rise of fascism in Germany. Like the show’s book, the lyrics and music, while earnest, are equally simplistic. “Happening Again”, the song that attacks prejudice and othering, certainly does not rise to the standard of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s classic “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” from South Pacific. Nevertheless, despite its lack of nuance, Cable Street remains a powerful tribute to the importance of ordinary people standing together against hatred and intolerance.

Rated: ★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Johan Persson

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: 35 Park Rd, London NW1 6XT, UK

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