Newsies @ The Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre

Where do I even start with this spectacular show! They did not only "Seize the Day" they seized the whole venue. I have never seen an audience more captivated by these multi-talented performers springing about the place with such ease.

Carrying the Banner

Disney's Newsies follows the story of the 1899 newsboy's strike in New York, a stage adaptation of the 1992 film of the same name. Focusing on the Newsies of Lower Manhattan, this tale of working-class struggle details how no matter your age, you will never be too young to start (or finish) a fight. In a time ravished by social and political turmoil the News Boys gathered to advocate for themselves and aptly demonstrated that eloquence and class is not the way to win a social war, comradery and unity is. Despite being set during the industrial revolution ironically, it's still relevant in a contemporary setting. Maybe we should all take a leaf out the Newsie's book.

**For reference of this post, I sat in FF 15/16 in Woodside.**

This spectacular cast led is by the Michael Ahomka-Lindsay (Jack Kelly) and the wonderful Bronté Barbé (Katherine Plummer). Anyone who knows about Newsies knows exactly what to expect from the boys choreographically. Matt Cole (Director/Choreographer) and Jane McMurtrie (Associate Choreographer) certainly knew how to capture every artistic element of this cast. Not a section of this performance space was left untouched. The proxemics of the production not only showed the connection of the cast but also demonstrated how powerful numbers were. The stage and surrounding areas were always busy, no matter where you turned there was something to look at.

I was a little sceptical watching this show - despite it being a personal favourite - as the Broadway production is so special. Albeit there were some orchestral changes (the Prologue and some of the dance breaks) but all the "Newsie" elements were still at the core of this production. The characterisation of this cast was insane, it was good to see different interpretations of these well-loved characters. It was amazing to watch the level of intricacy of how each character had their own little quirks and relationships with one another. Not one reaction was the same, the power and inflexion behind each line or movement, everything was seamless and created a deeper level to these Newsies.

Talk About Seizing The Day

The Troubadour Theatre is one of London's newest performance venues and a first visit for myself but it was the sheer vastness of the venue that at first came across as a little bit intimidating. However once settled in and the show well underway, you see how every inch of the space is filled with the endless talent from all areas. Now, I am a sucker for a good set. This one left me in awe of the production team. Obviously the first piece you notice is the iconic scaffolding that we all know from the original Broadway production. But the more you look around, the more you start to notice the amount of detail put in by Morgan Large (Set Designer) mixed in with Mark Henderson's lighting design this duo well and truly gave the illusion of the "stinkin' streets of New York". The small things such as the stage being a replica of a stack of newspapers, with the faded print of The World etched onto the floor, considering the attack of the dance numbers this does allude to the hatred towards villain of the show, Joseph Pulitzer.

One thing I would like to point out in regards to this new version, is the layer of darkness added upon to the Disney-fied musical. This created a whole new reading for the show, this newfound layer of grunge brought a different feeling to the show, allowing it space to move away from the happy/loveable Disney musical to the more indepth analysis into the life of a newsboy in the 1890's NYC. Despite this "American Dream" that Jack yearns for there will be something lurking that will hold him back and that regardless of the go-lucky, playful nature of the cast's acting choices the harsh white light and dimmed sections of the stage highlight the shadow of social inequality that is a prevalent theme of the show.

This Time We're In It To Stay

There is so much to say about this production and if you haven't already booked tickets, go and if you have already seen it... go again. This team were indeed a bunch of Davids taking on a Golith of a show and I think it's safe to say who came out on top. This production will lingure in the hearts and minds of the audiences who have had the pleasure to witness this spectacle. We're definitely "seein' stars alright".

With an extension already announced, it is very clear to say that this long awaited production of Newsies is not going anywhere, anytime soon!

"I beg you... throw down your papers and join the strike"!!!