NOT TO MISS Theatre Shows

CABLE STREET ***** at Marylebone Theatre, London (until 28 February)

Pic: Johan Persson

Bringing to the stage one of the major acts of community bonding together to fight fascism in London in the 1930s, the Battle of Cable Street in the East End has relevance to today’s confrontations between political elements and our diverse communities. The musical tells the story of the buildup to the day, the fight between fascists – under the leadership of Oswald Mosley – and anti-fascists and the aftermath.

The musical concentrates on a few of the characters actively involved in Cable street. There’s Ron Williams (Barney Wilkinson), recently arrived from Lancashire and desperately looking for work in London. There’s Jewish Sammy Scheinberg (Isaac Gryn) and his friend Mairead Kenny (Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly). The show starts with East End tour guide, Steve (Jez Unwin) explaining what happened in the past to a group of tourists who then portray the characters in the past.

Director, Adam Lenson, gives us an energetic and extremely entertaining show. The choreography is excellent, and all the actors perform with expertise as actors, dancers and, in some cases musicians. The music ranges over quite a wide variety, including klezmer and jazz. Highly recommended.

And in a different vein we have High Noon**** Harold Pinter Theatre, London (until 6 March).  This, too, is a musical. But this is closely based on the western film, HIGH NOON. Billy Crudup, plays Sheriff, Will Kane and Denise Gough is his new wife, Amy.

Pic: Johan Persson

As they drive away after their wedding to start a new life after Will’s retirement, they learn that the outlaw Frank Miller (James Doherty) is returning to town on the train at high noon.  Will is torn between continuing away from the town and returning to confront the villain. With no help from the townspeople people, and opposition from his Quaker wife, Will is left almost alone to face Frank Miller. Relevance to McCarthyism as well as relevance to the Trump era.

The two main actors are superb and the rest of the cast perform well. The ticking clock on stage shows the events taking place in real time and gives a great dramatic effect.

Thanks to London for Groups who invited a group of Organisers to attend the show.

written by CARLIE NEWMAN