REVIEW: CABLE STREET @ MARYLEBONE THEATRE

🎭 Cable Street

📍 Marylebone Theatre, 35 Park Road, London, NW1 6XT

🗓 Monday 26th January 2026

⭐️ 4 Stars

THE ELECTRIFYING BATTLE CRY WE NEED RIGHT NOW

On a damp and dark January night in London, I found myself at the Marylebone Theatre for the strictly limited run of CABLE STREET. This home-grown musical, which first made waves at Southwark Playhouse, feels like the kind of urgent, pulse-pounding theatre we need right now - even if it still has a few growing pains to iron out.

The show kicks off a bit sluggishly, with the opening numbers feeling a tad exposition-heavy as the trio of protagonists are introduced. However, once the world-building is out of the way, the production shifts gears into something much more captivating.

What struck me most was how Alex Kanefsky's book highlights the fascist speech of the 1930s. Hearing the British Union of Fascists shout about "taking our country back" and "protecting our borders" felt scarily similar - almost verbatim - to the far-right rhetoric we're seeing on social media and in the news today. It's a chilling reminder that history doesn't just repeat, it rhymes, often following hauntingly similar patterns, themes, or structures.

The performances are the beating heart of this piece. Isaac Gryn is sensational as Sammy. He brings a desperate, wiry energy to the role that is impossible to look away from. Standing toe-to-toe with him is Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly as Mairead. She is absolute fire on the stage, bringing a fierce, rebellious Irish spirit and a vocal powerhouse performance that really grounds the emotional stakes of the protest.

Rounding off the central trio is Barney Wilkinson as Ron, delivering a compelling and nuanced portrayal of a young man navigating the complex political landscape, whose transformation from hesitant bystander to committed activist is both believable and deeply moving.

They are backed by a tireless ensemble who multi-role brilliantly, switching from Jewish shopkeepers to Irish dockers and Blackshirt thugs with dizzying speed, with the most impressive performances coming from Debbie Chazen, Jez Unwin, and Ethan Pascal Peters.

Crucially, there is no weak link in this production. Each and every member of the cast fully commits to telling the story, and honouring those involved. I'd have liked to have heard more vocals from Preeya Kalidas. A selfish want perhaps, but her voice is so full of depth and has an undeniable power, which is always a treat to listen to.

Unfortunately there were some technical gremlins. The sound levels were notably off during several big numbers, with the band frequently overpowering the performers. This meant that some of Tim Gilvin's intricate lyrics were lost to the rafters. It's a shame because when you can hear them, the words are biting.

The highlight of the evening is undoubtedly the Act One finale "No Pasarán!". It is a soaring, powerful anthem of resistance that left the audience genuinely breathless, It's raw, it's loud, and it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the East End.

The show is still a bit rough round the edges - it's gritty and occasionally lacks a bit of polish - but honestly? For a story about a street fight against fascism, that roughness actually works in its favour. It's a vital piece of theatre that everyone should catch before it heads across the pond to NYC this April.

CABLE STREET plays at London's Marylebone Theatre until Saturday 28th February. Click here to grab your tickets to this rebellious new musical.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of Cable Street was gifted by Chloe Nelkin Consulting who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST LIST:

Isaac Gryn as Sammy Scheinberg; Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly as Mairead Kenny; Barney Wilkinson as Ron Williams; Debbie Chazen as Kathleen Kenny / Oonagh; Jez Unwin as Yitzhak Scheinberg / Mick / Steve; Preeya Kalidas as Edi Williams / Elizabeth Warner; Ethan Pascal Peters as Moishe Scheinberg / Sol; Romona Lewis-Malley as Rosa Scheinberg; Natalie Elisha-Welsh as Rachel Scheinberg; Max Alexander-Taylor as Sean Kenny; Aoife Mac Namara as Orlaith Kenny; Annie Majin as Ensemble; Michali Dantes as Ensemble

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 35 minutes, including interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Weapons; Violence; Violent imagery; Xenophobia; Antisemitism; Slurs; Strong language; Depictions of bombs and explosions; Fascist imagery; Loud noises; Haze

AGE RECOMMENDATION:

13 +

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