Chopped Liver and Unions

If you are looking for something compelling to see at the end of the month, the acclaimed one-woman show, Chopped Liver and Unions, is scheduled to return to the Lantern Theatre in Brighton on February 28. This production, written by J.J. Leppink and directed by Laura Killeen, focuses entirely on the remarkable life of Sara Wesker. Wesker (1901–1971) was a powerhouse activist from East Ham: a communist, a feminist, and a crucial union leader whose story is told using music and East End humor.

The show highlights Wesker's significant role in working-class history, particularly her founding of the United Clothing Workers Union in 1928. She was instrumental in leading strikes that dramatically improved conditions for thousands of women in the garment industry, earning her the nickname one of the 'singing strikers' of East London. Beyond her union work, she was elected to the Central Committee of the Communist Party and famously participated in the Battle of Cable Street in 1936. The production aims to set the record straight on her legacy, incorporating protest songs—some of which Sara herself sang on the picket line—alongside the story of her personal life, which included an 'scandalous' love life and subsequent heartbreak.

Lottie Walker, who plays Wesker, has been widely praised for her performance, described in reviews as convincing and credible. The production style leans deliberately toward vaudeville, using original strike songs and protest music from the era, delivered with characteristic East End wit. This approach seems to resonate well with audiences; the show, produced by Bluefire Theatre Co., has already had sold-out runs at the Brighton Fringe in 2023 and 2024, and secured an OffFest nomination. It’s a piece of drama that offers context on local history and activism, making it a great choice for anyone interested in inspiring stories about women who fought for change.