Presented by Echoes Theatre Company and THE JEWish CABARET, Joyfully Jewish: Strangers in a Strange Land is coming to the Redbridge Drama Centre on Sunday 8 November at 7pm – and tickets are selling fast.

The show sold out at JW3 in north-west London last weekend, and the audience feedback couldn’t have been more positive. It seems that an entertaining evening of Jewish new short plays and musical theatre songs was just what the doctor ordered.

With narratives spanning every direction and era of Jewish migration – from Egypt and Russia to London, Cardiff and Germany – these funny and touching stories of leaving home, settling in and finding the perfect beigel resonated with everyone.

More details and booking information can be found here: https://visionrcl.org.uk/events/strangers-in-a-strange-land/

The post A night of Jewish Joy is coming to Essex this weekend appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

Southend and District Reform Synagogue (SDRS) marked its 80th anniversary with a Shabbat service on Saturday 24 October, exactly 80 years after the community was founded. The occasion brought together synagogue members, civic leaders and guests from across the Jewish community to celebrate eight decades of Jewish life in Southend.

Among those attending were Southend East MP Bayo Alaba, Southend West MP David Burton-Sampson, Southend Council Leader Daniel Cowan, Councillor Donna Richardson, and representatives from the police, Jewish Joint Burial Society, Jewish Care and other local synagogues.

Chair Lewis Miller and the current SDRS Council were joined by past Chairs Sue Levitas and Fern Potter. Ninety-nine-year-old Synagogue President Irene Klyman, whose parents were among the founding members, took part via Zoom.

The service was led by Rabbi Warren Elf MBE, who has worked with the community since 2001, with the sermon delivered by Rabbi Josh Levy, Co-Lead of The Movement for Progressive Judaism.

Rabbi Warren said: “It was a pleasure to lead our 80th anniversary Shabbat morning service, which was a true celebration. It was wonderful to host both of Southend’s MPs, the leader of the city council and our other guests from religious and civic life.

“I have enjoyed working with this special community for 25 years and hope to continue for a few more!”

Rabbi Josh’s sermon, which can be read here, centred on a teaching traditionally attributed to the sage Yehudah ben Tema: “Ben shmonim ligvurah”, meaning “The age of 80 for strength”.

He explored what strength means for a community, and how it lies not only in resilience and an ability to overcome challenges, but in the pursuit of justice, peace, equality and making the world a better place.

Rabbi Josh presented the community with a certificate of recognition and concluded: “May 80 be a year of special strength for you – may this community always have the strength to keep safe, the strength to persevere, and most of all the strength to be a beacon of Progressive Jewish values in Southend and beyond.”

Southend Council Leader Daniel Cowan praised the synagogue’s contribution to the city over eight decades.

Reflecting on Rabbi Josh’s “thoughtful and moving sermon”, he said: “The strength of a community is found in its people. In the friendships built across generations, the traditions passed from parents to children, and the determination to preserve identity, faith and belonging through changing times.

“Eighty years is more than a milestone. It is a testament to the resilience of a community that has continued to grow, support one another and enrich our city.”

The community began as Southend Liberal Synagogue in Leigh-on-Sea in October 1946, when a group of local Jews came together to establish a Jewish community to meet their religious needs. Initially meeting and praying in one another’s homes, the group began holding weekly Shabbat services in a hall above shops in Leigh Road in 1947.

The synagogue moved to its present building in Westcliff-on-Sea in 1961 and became known as Southend Progressive Synagogue. In 1972, following a decision to move from Liberal to Reform Judaism, it adopted its current name, Southend and District Reform Synagogue. Today, it is a member of the newly united Movement for Progressive Judaism.

The anniversary service was part of a series of events taking place throughout the year, culminating in a musical gala evening in November.

The post Southend Reform celebrates 80 years with special service appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

Review by Simon Rothstein
Pictures by Robert Day

“My clothes say what I can’t…”

So says Queen Elizabeth II in Chelmsford Theatre’s By Royal Appointment, and this fascinating play about the late monarch’s wardrobe reveals just how much she could communicate without saying a word.

The first thing to say is that the costume design is fantastic, recreating some of the Queen’s most memorable looks and bringing key moments in recent history to life through her eyes.

There is the blue-and-yellow hat worn for the State Opening of Parliament after the Brexit referendum, and the striking green outfit she wore on her historic visit to Ireland in 2011, when the colour itself carried a message of welcome and goodwill.

Other costumes have more personal associations, including those chosen for family weddings and funerals, or the brooch worn when meeting the infamous Mrs Simpson.

The attention to detail is wonderful, and the first thing you will do after leaving the theatre is look up photographs of the original events to see just how closely they match.

But what sets this play apart is that it is about so much more than what the Queen wore.

Daisy Goodwin’s writing takes us into the lives of the four very different central characters: Queen Elizabeth II (Jane Asher), her dresser (Laura Main), her designer (David Robb) and her milliner (Matthew Cottle).

As we follow their lives over several decades, we see them deal with love, infidelity, coming out, divorce, death, disability and the ageing process that finally catches up with us all.

Some of the story is based on real people and events, while other elements have been introduced for dramatic effect, but you become genuinely invested in all four lives.

The chemistry between the actors is excellent. Stage legend Jane Asher brings real presence to the Queen, capturing the person behind the familiar public image, while Call the Midwife’s Laura Main is superb as the dresser from Wigan who strikes up an extraordinarily close relationship with a woman from a background that couldn’t be more different.

David Robb and Matthew Cottle are equally impressive, bringing their own personalities and vulnerabilities to the designer and milliner. Together, the four create a convincing picture of people who work closely together, sometimes liking each other and sometimes not, but ultimately learning to respect and look out for one another.

Laura Matthews also does a great job as the fifth character in the show, the curator, introducing the exhibition that frames the story and helping to place the Queen’s outfits in their historical context before each is revealed.

The play has plenty of laughs, but is ultimately about something much more poignant.

Without wishing to spoil the narrative, there is a powerful sadness in the play’s exploration of what happens when someone who has devoted their life to a particular role is no longer needed. It is a message that goes well beyond the Royal household, and one that stays with you long after the final curtain.

Best of all, we get to enjoy all of this in the intimate surroundings of the gorgeous Chelmsford Theatre, where the story feels all the more personal.

As Daisy Goodwin puts it: “It is the greatest feeling in the world to come to a theatre like Chelmsford and see people really enjoying themselves. In London, audiences are spoiled, but in Chelmsford the audiences are so appreciative and it is a privilege to serve them.”

By Royal Appointment is funny, moving, beautifully costumed and full of fascinating historical detail.

Some of the descriptions of dresses and hats go on a little too long, although, as a middle-aged man, I may not be the target audience for that part of the show!

Ultimately, this is a play that offers a fresh perspective on a Monarch we have all seen depicted many times, while reminding us that behind the carefully constructed outfits and public image were real people with complicated lives, relationships and emotions.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening of theatre that I highly recommend.

• By Royal Appointment plays at Chelmsford Theatre from Tue 20 October 2026 – Sat 24 October 2026 as part of a UK Tour. Find out more and book tickets here.

The post Theatre review: By Royal Appointment appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

When the Essex Jewish News was invited by Jewish Care for an incredibly tasty salt beef lunch and personal tour of the charity’s new Sugar & Ronson Campus in Redbridge, both this paper’s editor Simon Rothstein and I thought we’d wandered into a five-star hotel by mistake.

I’m seldom at a loss for words, but trying to describe this incredible building leaves me in danger of running out of superlatives!

New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described Jewish Care as the “gold standard” for the adult social care sector, and it’s easy to see why.

First impressions are of spacious, welcoming, stylishly designed and decorated eating and meeting areas, café’s, lounges, wide corridors and sheer comfort for all who make this their home, or their home from home.

The Sugar & Ronson Campus brings together care, community and support services for the local Jewish community under one roof, continuing the legacy of more than 50 years of Jewish Care services on the site.

The 66-bed Sugar Family Care Home provides residential, nursing, dementia and end-of-life care, as well as respite stays.

Alongside it is The Ronson Community Centre, a vibrant hub offering a programme of activities including live entertainment, dancing, card games, exercise classes, bridge, yoga, table tennis and Jewish festivals and community events.

One resident, Corinne, had just had her hair and nails done in the ground-floor salon available to care home and community centre members.

“It looks like a hotel, never in a million years did I think I’d be in a place like this!” she beamed happily.

Michael, a resident at The Sugar Family Care Home, added: “The whole building is fabulous. There’s everything here, they’ve done a wonderful job and the garden’s gorgeous too.”

Jewish Care continues to make the most of a unique opportunity to create a new hub for the whole new community in the heart of Essex.

At The Ronson Family Community Centre on-site café, members of the community can meet friends for breakfast, lunch or tea and join in a variety of different events.

People of all ages can come in simply for a coffee, or a meal with their relatives. And the Campus is designed as a gentle pathway to attend an activity, while also having access to services such as social work, Meals on Wheels, specialist dementia support and mental health services from Jami if and when they need them.

The Dennis Centre, specifically designed for people living with dementia, is also part of the campus. Dementia-informed design runs throughout this part of building – that has its own secure entry and exit – with furniture, flooring, lighting and colour choices helping to support orientation, safety and independence.

One regular member there, Rita, was blown away when she first arrived, saying, “It’s really wonderful and the staff can’t do enough for us.”

Our lunch was hosted in the excellent café, open to the wider community, and serving kosher meat meals, somewhere that it’s easy to meet, eat and socialise. This includes an incredibly tasty salt beef lunch which will be on the varied menu once a month and will also features at the legendary Salt Beef Suppers.

Richard Shone, Jewish Care’s Interim Director of Property and Hospitality, was one of our guides as he was last year when we toured what was then a building site full of promise.

‘Walking around with Richard – an Essex resident himself – and Community Hub Manager Neil Rebak, it was clear just how proud everyone is of what years of hard work have achieved.

And Daniel Carmel-Brown, CEO, acknowledges deep gratitude for those who have made this new chapter possible, “All this would not have been achieved without the generosity of our cornerstone donors, the Sugar family, and the Ronson family through The Gerald & Gail Ronson Family Foundation, alongside a number of other key donors, and the support of the local community.”

Jonathan West z”l, Jewish Care’s late Director of Legal Affairs, Property and Procurement, was mentioned frequently. The new campus is a wonderful testament to his legacy.

One of the things that Simon and I loved most was seeing how the Jewish is being put into Jewish Care. From carefully chosen artwork reflecting different aspects of the Jewish experience, to classic Judaica loaned by local people, there are reminders of Jewish life everywhere.

Even the practical details have been carefully considered, for example in the way red and green tiles, plates and utensils are used throughout the campus to differentiate between meat and milk.

Jewish Care’s pastoral and spiritual lead, Rabbi Menachem Junik, already well known to many of the residents, says how wonderful it was being able to greet them, telling us: “Several admired the Jewish artefacts in the display case at the entrance. Many said that seeing that, and the mezuzahs we blessed on every door, made them feel truly at home.”

He was particularly moved by one lady’s request, adding: “She asked me to say a prayer with her to celebrate her move. It warmed my heart.”

The Sugar & Ronson Campus is open to anyone from across the Jewish community, with the needs of all Jewish affiliations covered, and services and activities designed to be inclusive and accessible.

Maureen Valins, who volunteers at both The Sugar Family Home and The Ronson Community Centre, said: “I just love it that everybody can now be together in the one building.”

This includes the young volunteers and participants of the MIKE youth leadership programme onsite – nurturing the community leaders of today and of the future. The building itself is a striking transformation of the site formerly occupied by Sinclair House, affectionately known as ‘Club’, and has been designed with Jewish life in mind. It is light, bright, spacious and fully accessible, while visual reminders throughout the campus recognise the history of the community and the services that came before.

The familiar Jewish Care staff and teams remain in place, providing continuity and trusted relationships for people who have used their services for years.

The Ronson Community Centre will also be available for community functions and events, including birthdays, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, anniversaries, meetings and shivas, with bookings available from February 2027.

And, importantly, this is not simply a place for people once they reach a particular stage of life. It has been designed to grow with them, offering opportunities to remain connected to the community and access support at different points in their lives.

I hope to revisit The Sugar & Ronson Campus after the Yom Tovim, when many more prospective residents will have completed their move in time for Chanukah.

Shana Tova to them all – and watch this space!

• For more information visit jewishcare.org/sugar-and-ronson-campus or contact 020 8922 2222, helpline@jcare.org

Pictures courtesy of Jewish Care

The post A stunning addition to our local Jewish landscape appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

When I moved back to Woodford in 2021, after almost a decade in North West London, I saw there was a particular gap for Jewish people in their 30s, 40s and 50s to meet each other socially – especially singles.

After talking this through with Rabbi Odom Brandman at Chabad Buckhurst Hill, I decided to do something about it.

With his initial support, I organised a walk through High Beach in September 2024. Six of us turned up on a warm late-summer day. That was the start of Essex Jewish Socials.

Since then, the group has gradually evolved. We have visited cultural landmarks in London, walked around Fairlop Waters, taken part in quizzes, gone bowling and enjoyed L’chaims in and around north-east London and Essex.

The ethos is simple: openness, inclusivity and keeping things local. Most events cost very little and people can come and go as they please.

Although singles are an important part of the group, I was determined from the outset that it would not become a dating forum. Couples, including those with non-Jewish partners, have also joined us. Genuine friendships have emerged.

The King William IV in Chigwell has proved our most popular venue so far. As we move forward, I would like to organise more walks, as well as potentially introducing Friday night dinners, discussion events and film screenings.

There is certainly scope for the group to grow, but that depends on people getting involved. My advice to anyone considering coming along is simple: have no expectations and enjoy the event for what it is. Everything else can develop from there.

The post Building Jewish connections across Essex appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

He’d tell his sons: “When it’s a life well lived, of course, you are going to be sad, but these things should also be more about celebrating a life than mourning someone lost.”

When we remember Manny – who died in May aged 93 – we remember his wonderful career in the media, his love for our Essex Jewish community and his amazing EJN columns that continued right up until his final days. It truly was a life well lived.

Emanuel Rabinovitch was born on April 11, 1933, the first child of Ray and Sidney. He was close throughout his life with his brother Jeffrey and sister Gilda, whose passing in January of this year, which left him ‘last man standing’, affected him profoundly.

They grew up in Whitechapel in a block of flats called Chelsea Buildings in Princelet Street. His father was a Hoffman presser, his mother a seamstress.

On the night of 19 April 1941, the Luftwaffe launched one of its heaviest attacks on London, dropping a bomb on St Peter’s Hospital in Stepney, where Manny was being treated for dysentery.

His mother wouldn’t know for four days whether he had survived the bombing or not, only then finding out that he, together with the other survivors, had been evacuated to the village of South Mimms. He retained a vivid memory of tulips in the fields outside where he was staying. He was evacuated to Tylorstown in the Welsh valleys for the rest of the war, even attending chapel every Sunday.

Back in the East End, as youngsters, they had nowhere really to go, other than to the local dance hall, the Lyceum or the Royal, or to the local cinema, though sometimes a lack of money meant he often couldn’t afford to go to either.

And so, he joined a new club for Jewish boys, Brady. The purpose of the club, he once said, was to instil some sort of character. To him, Brady was his university. It was a place where they learned how to speak, how to respect their elders, and how to develop loyalties. It was also where he learned to dance – a skill to be shown off at simchas for years to come.

He became the first boy to edit the club’s magazine, once writing about the visit of Princess Margaret to the Brady Girls’ Club. He also used to go to watch Brady teams at football matches and started to write reports about their games.

And then on a Sunday afternoon after the match, he would write a report and take it down to the local newspaper, the East London Advertiser, and was chuffed when they used his report in the paper without changing a word.

That planted the seed in his mind that maybe he could become a journalist. Committing to this, he would spend his weekends in Fleet Street delivering photographs from picture agencies to national newspapers. It was his way of finding his way round, and from five o’clock in the afternoon until nine o’clock at night, he would be paid 10 shillings, but it gave him an ‘in’.

After National Service, he applied for work on the Stratford Express. The paper served the supporters of two professional football teams, West Ham United and Leyton Orient, and so he was given a job, on the heady salary of £4 a week.

Having told the Editor he liked football, he subsequently found out that none of the other journalists wanted to cover football because it meant working weekends. So he was appointed Sports Editor at the age of 21 and started sending snippets of news from the two clubs to the Evening Standard.

Journalism, at that time, wasn’t really a go-to career for a young Jewish guy from the East End of London. In fact, he became Manny Robinson when it was explained to him that his name needed to change if he wanted a by-line as Emanuel Rabinovitch was just too long to fit across a single column of type.

Eventually he was approached by the Evening Standard and offered a job there. And at 23, he became the youngest journalist at that point ever to get into Fleet Street, combining that work with reporting for the Sunday Express under the alias of Harold Swan. He stayed at the Evening Standard for 35 years, leaving as its longest-serving journalist.

It was a career that afforded him the chance to travel, to New York, to Israel and, memorably, to Birmingham on a wet FA Cup night, when the delayed trains meant he arrived after the final whistle, leaving him to report on a match he hadn’t seen and didn’t even know the score.

When a paper for the local Jewish community in Redbridge, then called The Bridge, launched in 1980, Manny became an essential part of the founding team, which included Israeli Itu Aviram, Frank Cass, Bernard Joseph, Philip Finlay and Geoffrey Phillips.

Manny soon became the Editor, changing the name to the Essex Jewish News, switching the format and pioneering the newspaper that so many still know and love today.

Under his editorship, the Essex Jewish News twice won the Community Newspaper of the Year Award, saw its circulation rise to 20,000, gave a start to numerous young journalists and provided a home for the writing of a number of older ones.

After retiring as Editor, Manny stayed on as Editorial Director and columnist – with his View from the Sidelines pieces always the most popular part of any edition.

The real love of Manny’s life was his family. He met Helen at an East End club and they were wed on 10 June 1956, a marriage that lasted until her passing almost 53 years later. In 1960, they were blessed with the arrival of twins, Paul and Stuart, and then five years later, with Howard.

Any visitor to Manny’s bungalow would find it rammed full of pictures of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved nothing better than getting down on the floor and playing with each new arrival, although in recent years getting back up again proved harder!

After Helen’s passing in 2009, Manny found new companionship with Betty, spookily enough called Betty Robinson, and they continued to enjoy travelling until ill health for both made that no longer possible.

In April, the family gathered to mark Manny’s 93rd birthday, enabling him to spend time with all of them together for the last time.

• This tribute is based on the eulogy written by Manny’s son Howard and Manny’s own work documenting the history of the EJN. We are delighted that Howard has taken over the hugely popular View from the Sidelines column.

Tributes from the team

Simon Rothstein: It’s impossible to put into words what Manny meant to me. After taking over as the Editor of the Essex Jewish News, he became not just my guide and mentor, but a true friend. My favourite memories of Manny are sitting in his bungalow, going through articles – which we used to literally have to print out and glue onto pages – and swapping war stories about our careers, the world of journalism and, his favourite of all, the hilarious typos that had somehow made it into print. Manny may be gone but his legacy will live on through this newspaper.

Micaela Blitz: I first joined the paper as the youth reporter, when I was still at school, and was the youngest one at our editorial meetings by a few decades, but Manny always made me feel included and listened to. He was such a kind, good humoured and interesting man full of amazing tales. I will miss his stories and I will miss him.

Linda Newman: Long before I started writing for the EJN, I had been an admirer of Manny Robinson. I was a regular reader – nay fan – of his wise, entertaining and original columns and in fact it was Manny’s work that inspired me, a retired journalist, to volunteer and become a writer for EJN myself. Because I am ‘a newbie’ to the paper, I met Manny only once, but I will always treasure that time and be thankful that he and his brilliant work ‘introduced’ me to the paper.

Pat Lidiker: Manny Robinson was a Fleet Street legend who kept his writing skills, infallible ear for a story and sheer joy of writing almost to the end. Success never went to his head, he stayed the same gentle person he always was – liked and respected by all who knew him. Few of us reached Manny’s heights and skills in giving decades of readers just what they wanted. We were so lucky to have him on our team.

Manny’s incredible family

Children:
Paul and Rona
Stuart
Howard
and Melanie

Grandchildren:
Michele and Joe
Sophie and Aryel
Sarah and Josh
Ella and Darren
David
Noah and Kaylin

Great
Grandchildren:
Reuben
Lottie
Rafi
Rosie
Cole
Nomi

The post A life well lived: A tribute to Manny Robinson appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

By Linda Newman

To mark the 90th anniversary of the historic clash at The Battle of Cable Street, the Board of Deputies of British Jews presents Cable Street 90, a festival of Jewish culture, history, and solidarity in which a whole kaleidoscope of fascinating events will be taking place

As part of the festival, historian and AJEX archivist Martin Sugarman whose work we featured in our current issue (p 10 ) will be giving a talk on October 8^th titled  Jews Against Franco: The Jewish Contribution to the Spanish Civil War. Martin’s talk will explore the Spanish Civil War as one of the defining struggles against fascism of the 20th century – in which Jews played a remarkable part.

The Battle of Cable Street took place on October 4, 1936. Just months earlier, in July 1936, the Spanish Civil War erupted. For the Jewish youth of East London, Oswald Mosley’s Blackshirts at home and General Franco’s fascists in Spain were the same enemy. Many of the very same young Jewish men and women who stood at the barricades shouting “No Pasarán” (They Shall Not Pass) at Cable Street went on to volunteer for the International Brigades in Spain to continue the fight.

Thousands of Jews from around 53 countries became involved in the Republican cause. Many joined the International Brigades and travelled to Spain to fight Franco; others supported the struggle through fundraising, political activism, refugee aid and humanitarian work. Some went openly as Jews, while others adopted aliases. Some fought alongside fellow nationals, while others joined different national units. Some were refugees from antisemitism and political persecution; others left relatively secure lives in democratic countries to fight fascism.

Martin’s talk uncovers these often-overlooked stories of courage, idealism, international solidarity and sacrifice – and asks why the Jewish contribution to the fight against Franco remains so little known.

CABLE STREET 90

Running from 1–11 October 2026, Events will be taking place across iconic East London and central venues (locations revealed upon booking); the varied programme includes discussions, artistic performances, films, live performances and tailored black cab history tours of Whitechapel, Spitalfields, and Brick Lane.

For further info and to book, please go to: https://bod.org.uk/cable-street-90/

The post Cable Street 90 festival to celebrate stories of courage and sacrifice appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

The wonderful Operation Mincemeat, now playing at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend, probably never should have made the big stage at all.

A historical musical spy comedy set during World War II, with an ensemble cast who frequently swap roles and genders, it started life in an 80-seater studio not long before the pandemic hit and its plans were interrupted.

However, post-lockdowns and carried by word of mouth, momentum soon built, with awards and glowing reviews following not far behind – leading to it becoming a huge West End and Broadway hit.

Now touring theatres around the UK, and indeed the world, it opened right here in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Future stops will include Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston and cities in China and Australia, as well as Norwich and Crawley a little closer to home.

While not the original cast, four of the five principal performers – Christian Andrews, Seán Carey, Charlotte Hanna-Williams and Holly Sumpton – reprise roles from the West End production, joined by new recruit Jamie-Rose Monk.

All are superb, mixing high comedy with thrilling spy escapes – while bringing a sweetness that makes you really care about their characters and the mission’s success.

That mission was the extraordinary true story of a 1943 British deception operation, in which a dead man was given a false identity and planted off the coast of Spain carrying fake military documents. The elaborate ruse helped convince Hitler that the Allies intended to invade Greece rather than Sicily, drawing German forces away from the real target.

The show is also a tribute to the hugely important role of our intelligence services, who often operate with no public thanks or glory until decades later.

One key reason to see the production, other than its great entertainment value, is therefore keeping this history alive for future generations!

Back to the stage and two things that stand out are the clever choreography, with genuine ‘how did they do that’ moments, and a set design that does a wonderful job of transporting you back to the era.

The five performers, swapping between multiple parts, mix song, farce and intrigue, with the tunes moving the story along and the fast pace rarely letting up.

Some of the songs went on a little too long and they aren’t the type you’re still singing the next day, while a few of the gags missed the mark.

But overall this is a show that is funny, thrilling and full of things to learn, culminating in a happy ending and a lovely tribute (I won’t say any more so as not to spoil).

Judging by the standing ovation in Southend, it is clear that Operation Mincemeat has lost none of its ability to win over an audience as it heads on tour.

Find out more and purchase tickets here.

The post Theatre review – Operation Mincemeat appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

A true joy of being the Editor of the Essex Jewish News is travelling around our glorious county discovering its hidden gems.

One of those is undoubtedly the Palace Theatre in Southend where stepping through the doors is like stepping back in time.

A Grade II listed Edwardian building, first opened in 1912, it’s a truly beautiful venue with original features preserved – giving you the same layout, atmosphere and experience those watching plays there 100 years ago would have enjoyed.

Of course, any theatre is only as good as the shows it puts on – which is why I’m pleased to report that Dial M for Murder, which is playing all this week, truly is a classic thriller fit for a Palace.

Brought back to the stage for 2026 by Phil&Ben Productions, in association with PW Productions, it is showing in Southend until Sunday (16 August) before heading off to Harrogate, Blackpool, Coventry and Peterborough. It previously toured Eastbourne, Crewe, Fareham and Swindon.

For a Frederick Knott play that first premiered in 1952 – made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film version – it may seem strange of me not to want to give any spoilers, but with every twist and turn being so impactful, I’m keen not to ruin any of them.

The story, as fans of the film will remember, begins with English former tennis professional Tony Wendice plotting to kill his wealthy wife Margot after finding out she’d been cheating on him with Mark Halliday, an American crime-fiction writer.

Blackmailing an old classmate turned con man, Charles Swann, into doing the deed for him – Tony feels he has the perfect murder planned as he explains to Charles, and therefore us, in great detail.

Things, as you can imagine, don’t go as expected, leaving Charles to come up with a second dastardly plan. But is his web of lies and latch keys enough to fool Inspector Hubbard and get him the inheritance he wants?

The direction from Josh Mathieson is one of the best I’ve seen in a small theatre, adding moments of dramatic pause to the gripping script to really allow you to take everything in and wonder what happens next.

You, of course, hate the dastardly Tony (played masterfully by Pete Ashmore), but there’s a moment where Margot (Tanya-Loretta Dee) chooses to walk with Max (Simon Pothecary) instead of Tony that really makes you wonder where your sympathies lie – a credit to the acting and directing.

Phil Stewart may be having the most fun as the slightly hapless Charles Swann, while you never know how much Katy Dean’s Inspector Hubbard really knows – keeping you guessing until the end.

Dial M for Murder is a whodunnit where you know who did it, how they did it and why they did it… yet it remains gripping throughout.

There were a mix of ages in the theatre, including my own teenage children, and all were hanging on every word.

Listening to conversations afterwards, the audience was a combination of those who know and love the film – like us – those who have seen it but forgotten the twists and turns, and those coming to the material for the first time. All enjoyed it equally.

Not only was this a five-star show, right here on our doorsteps, but it is also part of an important effort to strengthen the future of touring drama in towns and smaller cities across the UK.

As Phil and Ben said: “We believe audiences in towns and smaller cities like Southend deserve regular access to outstanding live drama, and that the appetite for it remains strong.

“This is an exciting production in its own right, but it also stands for something larger: a commitment to restoring confidence in mid-scale touring theatre and building lasting partnerships with venues and audiences.”

So if you’re looking for a great night out at a very reasonable price, just Dial M and get to the Palace.

Find out more and purchase tickets here.

The post Theatre review – Dial M for Murder appeared first on Essex Jewish News.

Since joining the Essex Jewish News 10 years ago, I have become increasingly aware of the growing reputation of our local MP, Wes Streeting. I have met and interviewed him on many occasions, so I was delighted to offer him mazel tov on behalf of the paper on his recent appointment as Secretary of State for Defence.

A Christian, Wes has forged close relationships with members of the Redbridge Jewish community and is a familiar and welcome face at local shuls, schools and organisations. He has also been a vocal campaigner against the growing threat of antisemitism.

At 43, Wes has already held one of the most demanding jobs in government, serving as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care from 2024 until May this year, before returning to government as Defence Secretary in July.

He also laid bare much of his personal history in his autobiography, One Boy, Two Bills and a Fry Up, published last year. I found it impossible to put down and admired his willingness to confront his past so openly.

Wes continues to live in his Redbridge constituency with his partner Joe Dancey, a communications and public affairs consultant. How much time they will now have for weekends away in the area remains to be seen.

His new role comes at a challenging time, with responsibility for Britain’s defence, security and armed forces.

On receiving our congratulations, the new Defence Secretary replied: “It is a huge honour to be taking on this role. Keeping our country safe is the first duty of government and since my appointment, we’ve been straight to work speaking to allies, including Ukraine, to make clear that we will continue to stand steadfast alongside them. I am also absolutely committed to ensuring our armed forces have the resources they need.

“I would like to wish your readers a Shanah Tovah this Rosh Hashanah. Chag Sameach!”

The post Local MP Wes Streeting takes on top Government job appeared first on Essex Jewish News.