Directed by: Adam Lenson
Venue: Southwark Playhouse Borough - Large
Role: Assistant Stage Manager (Placement)
Cable Street is a new musical about the Battle of Cable Street in 1936, where Jews and their neighbours in the East End of London rose up against the British Union of Fascists trying to march through their neighbourhood. It’s an ensemble cast of 11, with two actor-musos, and all but the three lead actors play multiple roles. It was staged in thrust at Southwark Playhouse’s Large studio, with a set containing three tables, eight chairs, and a large box on wheels with cabinets inside. It had an all-Jewish stage management team, and a lot of props, including rare and often expensive Jewish religious items to source, and costume pieces to keep track of. The show is incredibly busy, staging the entire battle, with each actor playing many sides over the course of 15 minutes in act two.
Sourcing and making props, including items like Tallisim (Jewish prayer shawls), prayer books, candlesticks, and household items that were period appropriate.
Supporting the rehearsal room by setting props and sets each day for the scenes being rehearsed, stepping in as a body when actors were absent, and getting supplies for the space like paper, tea and biscuits.
Creating a detailed ASM track, shout check, and props bible to use throughout the run of the show and for the next version of the production.
Managing a very busy backstage space, keeping it tidy and clear while running an ASM track, helping with quick changes, onstage scene changes and distributing large amounts of paper to be thrown during the battle sequence.