Review: Disney’s NEWSIES, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

Photo credit: Johan Persson

We had high expectations when power walking through the blistering cold weather to the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre last night to watch the long awaited press night of Disney’s groundbreaking show, Newsies. But was it worth the frost bite or should we of stayed toasty by the fire? We can safely that we would box-step through the Antarctic wearing nothing but oven gloves for a chance to see this show, Besties! (Dramatic but true.) 

The story centres around a recalcitrant bunch of young newspaper sellers. They go on strike when power and money hungry business tyrant Joseph Pulitzer raises his prices to make it even harder for the poor rag tag brotherhood to earn a living. In the war of wills that follows, the bunch stand up against extremely one sided odds in an attempt to overcome the corrupt system and create a union to bring real rights to the workers. 

The leader of the Newsies is the idealistic Jack Kelly, played with gusto by Michael Ahomka-Lindsay. Jack has dreams of leaving New York behind him and having a happy ever after in Santa Fe. Ahomka-Lindsay is a solid leading man and is a pleasure to watch on the stage, with heaps of likability, charm and a killer singing voice to boot. As his confidence grows with the role, we would love to see the stakes raised just that little bit more. 

Jack’s love interest in the show, the ambitious and virtuous journalist Katherine Plumber, is played with excellence and experience by Brontë Barbe, whose rendition of ‘Watch What Happens’ is one of the MANY highlights of the show. 

Cameron Blakely plays the greedy Joseph Pulitzer and proves to us once again why he has had such a decorated stage career to date. An absolute pro and joy to watch. 

So who else deserves a special mention from last night’s show? No less than every single member of the cast that graced us with their incredible talent on the stage. We’ve never seen a show with such an in-sync ensemble whose energy and dedication blew us away from start to finish. 

There are countless numbers throughout the show that have the audience’s jaws hanging on the floor. There was a particular moment last night after “Seize the Day” that we had a mid-show standing ovation that lasted a good couple of minutes. To look around the auditorium and see such joy and admiration, and to look on the stage and see a group of such talented young people, was enough to bring a tear to the driest of eyes. 

Matt Cole’s choreography, direction and overall vision needs to win ALL the awards, in a show known for its impeccable dancing, Cole doesn’t just step up to the mark, he leaps over it, and not any old leap, a Newsie kind of leap!

The Troubadour becomes set designer Morgan Large’s creative playground and we are OBSESSED with the end product. It heightens the production and is a delight to see. 

This show is an absolute triumph and deserves a long life in the UK. Do your musical dreams come true? “Yea they do” at the Troubadour. Not only does Newsies seize the day, they may of seized the title of “Best Show in the Country”.

Read all about it, Newsies is a smash hit! 

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: James Edge

Disney’s Newsies plays at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until 16 April 2023, with tickets available here.