There was a bizarre, mistake-ridden report in the Feedback column of The Times yesterday, Saturday 10 August, under the heading From Cable Street to Southport, some things don't change. The residents of Cable Street - opposing the march of Mosley's fascist Blackshirts - are compared to the fascist supporters who have recently taken to violent action on our streets.

An unemployed labourer, Cyril Broadhead, pleaded not guilty to throwing a brick at a police inspector. "He denied that he had a brick," The Times reported, "and said that he picked up an orange which he threw, but 'it missed by a mile'." Two local brothers, Sam and Jack Jacobs, were accused of inciting resistance to police who were trying to arrest anti-fascist demonstrators. Sam Jacobs was said to have shouted: "Don't let the butchers take them."

No mention of any arrests among the fascist Blackshirts.

Southwark Playhouse 10 to 4 Productions presents Cable Street A New Musical by Tim Gilvin and Alex Kanefsky 6 SEP - 10 OCT 2024
Following a completely sold-out run, Cable Street returns. It’s October 1936 in the heart of London’s East End.

Sammy, Mairead and Ron are carving out their own futures on Cable Street when Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists start to march on East London. One hundred thousand Jews, Irish workers and communists unite to blockade the road they call home. As the people raise their voices and take a united stand against hatred, the lives of the streets’ residents are changed forever.

Featuring a contemporary score, Cable Street is an electrifying reimagining of one of London’s most significant days. A celebration of community and a rallying call to action, this timeless story is as powerful today as it ever was.