Review: Disney's Newsies, at Wembley Troubadour Park Theatre, London

Ask a theatre fan what show they wanted to see in the UK but never seemed to make it, and I bet a fair few may have said Newsies. After all, the original Broadway production was well loved by fans, and brought Jeremy Jordan to theatre-heartthrob-status. 

There has been many a rumour of producers trying to bring Newsies (with lyrics by Jack Feldman and music by the legend Alan Menken) to the UK; but the rumours also go that they said "The dancing talent wasn't there at the time" - think we can all agree a) that was rubbish, and b) RUDE! 

But enough of that. 

On to the UK professional premiere, which opened at Wembley's Troubadour Park Theatre at the end of last year

Of course, when the announcement was made, the HYPE WAS ON, especially as to who would be playing these loved characters that fans knew from the cast album or the filmed performance of the Broadway cast. 

New York city, 1899. We follow a group of newsboys (or newsies), lead by the charismatic Jack Kelly, who go on strike against newspaper owner Joseph Pulitzer; one of the most powerful men in New York. Along with emerging reporter Katherine Plummer, can the boys seize the day and take down Goliath? 

Since it opened, Newsies has been incredibly well received - and I can see why 

I had never before been to the Troubadour Park before, but it's a huge space, having a feel of an arena about it. And the first point I'd like to make is how they used as much of this large space as possible, from the moment that the ushers check your ticket. 

As you make your way to your seat, you're surrounded by makeshift sleeping quarters newsboys used to inhabit at the time, along with posters and the sound of carriages to try and take you back in time to 1899. Then when the show starts, there are newsboys running everywhere - even flying down a zipwire a couple of times. You really do feel like a part of the action. 

More than anything else, this show is known for choreography - I don't think this production is any exception

You don't often see guys dancing like this, with an all-male (in some cases) ensemble packing a stage full of work that brings in ballet and gymnastics. It's athletic, strong, and must be really demanding on this group of dancers. 

As I said before, these guys are running around all over the places, especially in the big numbers like Carrying the Banner and Seize the Day. Then King of New York opens the 2nd half, and you find out these chaps can TAP as well. It's pretty electric. 

Just like the original did to Jeremy Jordan, this will hopefully be the catapult Michael Ahmoka-Lindsay (Legally Blonde) needs and deserves 

Jack Kelly must be the largest part Lindsay has played so far in his career; and if this doesn't prove is leading man material, I don't know what will. He's charismatic, headstrong and yes, a little cocky. But Jack's strong sense of justice and trying to protect his friends (especially Crutchie) shines through Ahmoka-Lindsay. His emotional rendition of Act 1 closer Santa Fe rightly has cheers ringing across the Troubadour. 

On Jack's side throughout his journey is Bronté Barbé (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), as the smart reporter Katherine. I had a feeling this was going to be good casting, and sure enough, Katherine was a part that suits Barbé down to a T. She's headstrong and can put her foot in it, but like Jack, has a huge heart and sense of justice. Plus a bit of tsundere style banter with Ahmoka-Lindsay and letting rip on her big solo Watch What Happens doesn't hurt either. 

Many of the large number of supporting cast may only have a small role, but definitely make the most of what they have; particularly Moya Angela as singer Medda Larkin, and Cameron Blakeley (Mrs Doubtfire) as the ruthless Pulitzer. 

The final standout performance has to be Ethan Sokontwe as Les; adorable! That is all. 

Newsies is an epic that will not only get your toe tapping, but will also awaken the activist in you 

What I loved more than anything else, was that this production never shied away from just a rough life the newsboys had, and just how much the rise in prices would hinder their lives. You the conditions they live in, the measures they had to take in order to survive, and also how they were treated by people in positions of authority. 

The show always finds a way to bring it back to that - and remind us all just what these boys are fighting for. 

This isn't just in the book, but you see the look is very much set in greys and browns: from the fire escape style set rolled on and off the stage, but also in the costumes: most of them are in very much muted tones, with only Jack, Katherine, and those in the theatre such as Medda and her girls having any kind of bright colours threaded in. 

This is a show I believe everyone will enjoy

Newsies being a Disney show of course makes it perfect for families, but I think especially for those with older kids. It may not be as well known as many of the other Disney properties, but it has a lot of the same values and heart - with the message of taking a stand for what's right. 

It's fitting really, that this show is playing across a period of time with plenty of strikes taking place across the UK. I saw the show the day after both railway workers AND teachers had gone on strike. Then there's paramedics and nurses too. Don't worry, I'm not going to end this on a political note *as such*, but it just shows to me how important the right to go on strike is. 

That's something we can all get behind right?