is NEWSIES the show of the year? | my review of the Disney musical's London debut at Troubadour 

On the original movie: it was a flop in movie theaters, but then gained a whole lot of fans over the next few years though the VHS and later DVDs, and showing it on TV. I was a young teen then, and I was obsessed with it, as were a lot of my classmates. (At the Tonys, one of the producers thanked "the young people who kept this story alive with their love for it through the years" or something like that, and my father called me to say, "Did you see that the producer thanked you?")

Newsies is my absolute favourite musical, and I got to see the show during previews (with my best friend who I met because of the show!), it's like nothing I've ever seen - all my expectations were completely blown away, still can't get over the choreography. We met Michael, Bronté, Ryan & Matthew at stage door and they were so lovely! Genuinely the best thing I've ever seen, I'd go and see Newsies 1000 if I was able, could watch those boys dance forever 😍

I saw the show on the opening preview night and the audience reaction was insane. My experience that night was astounding. I didn't know what to expect from this production of the show but I have come away in absolute awe. I have never had such a strong reaction to a show in the way I have to Newsies. I haven't stopped gushing for a week and a half. I'm looking forward to revisits because I know I'll be able to spot things I missed last time with how much is going on. I want to be able to appreciate every little aspect. I've actually been jealous when I see people visiting even though I've already been and I have my second trip booked for next week!

I was in last night and I was initially a little concerned about being so far back in the Manhattan seats (row AZ) but it was so clear that they had thought through what people could see from where and it was just amazing to enjoy this huge spectacle in person at last. If I lived closer and there weren’t train strikes atm (ironically, but solidarity to everyone striking) I’d definitely be going back.

Everything you’ve said about this show is exactly what Newsies should be! I fell in love with the Disney proshot and have not shut up about it since. I only wish I wasn’t all the way in Canada and could see it for myself!

Agreed that the ensemble cast is great and has to be great in order for the show to work. The book isn’t amazing so the cast really does the lifting and if you don’t have a good ensemble, the whole vibe falls apart. Which is why I can see the rumors about it being difficult to cast being true. You really have to be a triple threat (dancing, singing, and acting) to stand out in an ensemble of 18+ dancers and it’s not an easy thing to do, especially when you’re doing it eight times a week.

Mukeni Nel was the absolute standout for me. He seemed so joyful! It’s so gratifying to see someone doing what they love and SHOWING you they love it with their expressions and movements. And yes, I also bawled, as soon as carrying the banner kicked off. And then at so many points after. What a production.

5 years waiting to see this show live and it didn't disappoint. Some changes in the Seize The Day choreo but the act 2 was even better than the Broadway version in my opinion. Some good surprises. I'll definitely go back before it closes!! Brooklyn's here!

Finally saw the show this weekend. As a 2013 era fansie, I think the magic of the choreography lies in what Kenny Ortega managed to bottle all the way back in 1992, what made the show a hit on Broadway and we see again here. Each newsie has a distinctive personality that shines through in the vignettes of choreo we get throughout in this production, and it's so clearly a collaborative effort between the director, choreographer and the ensemble. I love that they kept the names from the Broadway show because it shows such respect for the characterisations created by the original cast and the fansies who got to know these minor characters so well. Everyone just looks like they're having so much fun and I hope this show gets its flowers come Olivier night.

I went to see it last week and was absolutely blown away! Seeing The World Will Know performed live was one of the best moments of my life. I'm very tempted to go and see it again but from a different angle lol.

I loved it i wasn’t expecting it to be so immersive ! Sometimes i didnt know where to look i genuinely loved every minute of it ! The perfect thing about this show is the seating it is meant to represent the different places mentioned in the show so i sat in brooklyn and it was soo cool seeing the actors up close ! Wherever you sit you can see and you still feel apart of it, the cast were incredible i loved the dancing they were all so talented! Best showw ❤

I'm excited for the U.K. to finally get this wonderful musical live on stage. The video's I've seen are incredible!

Newsies is my favorite musical ever. I’m so glad to see that it’s come to the UK and doing well. I wish I could have the chance to see it myself someday soon.

Watched this beautiful production last night AND got a picture with you! Honestly one of the best nights I've had!!

Christopher Gattelli was the original choreographer for Broadway and I felt the exact same way when I saw Seize the Day! Phenomenal! I’m glad the choreography seems to have been kept in the same style. Show sounds fantastic!

Newsies is one of my favorites!❤ I have seen two community theatre productions of it and i wholeheartedly agree with your ranking of 5 stars. I wish these immersive shows would come to America.

We finally saw it on Sunday - and were lucky enough to be in the front row. It was absolutely spectacular! So much talent on one stage. Genuinely extraordinary (I can’t use enough superlatives!).

I saw Newsies on Broadway 10 years ago - I was only in NYC briefly, it was a Monday night and not much was on apart from this new musical I'd never heard of before. Decided to take a chance on it and I've been raving about it ever since! But I was nervous about seeing this production as I didn't want it to spoil my memories of the Broadway show. But now you've really made me want to go see it, so thank you!

I've been anticipating your review all day! Having waited so long for Newsies to be in the UK, I'm so happy it's finally here! I've been twice already, once in previews at the weekend and again last night (Thursday). If I thought the first was good, last night was incredible! I'll definitely be back - may have already booked a ticket for closing night before I'd even got home last night!

Jacob Fisher is in this. We did our GCSE drama final piece together at school. He’s incredible.

I didn’t want to watch this review before I saw the show because I didn’t want to get spoiled… but oh my goodness I agree 1000%. As a dancer I was just in complete awe the entire time of the talent on stage and it truly was a must-see for everyone!

I watched this on the very first preview night. I couldn't agree more with everything that you have said I totally agree!!! I don't know why I'm crying watching you right now maybe I love newsies more than I thought lol. Its the best musical I have ever seen

I saw this show last yester day and... oh my god. I absolutely loved it. Like you, I was utterly blown away by the dancers. They were definitely the stars of the show. We didn't have a standing ovation after Seize the Day, but the audience must have been clapping and cheering for about a minute. I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't really believe Katherine and Jack being in love. I also felt that perhaps some of Crutchie's part was too high for Matthew Duckett and Bronté Barbé seemed to have few issues with breathing during Watch What Happens (I don't blame her, that is one of the most difficult songs I've ever tried to sing in terms of breath control). But that isn't me complaining. No production is ever going to be perfect and I'm just grateful to have ever had the chance to see it. It was the best choreography I have ever seen in a show and I loved most of the new things this new production added in. The entire production was a spectacle in the best way possible. If anyone reading this is going to see the production, you are in for such a treat.

I finally saw the show and came back to your review as I didn't want spoilers. Its so so so good and I hope ot gets another run after closing in April!!

I was lucky to see one of the previews and that was the best theatre experience I've had in a long time

Watched half of this video, decided I wanted to see this show, and bought a ticket for that same day xD good job Mickey, you're making me spend more money than I planned to (I'm not complaining, I loved this show and likely wouldn’t have seen it if you hadn't made this video, so thanks a lot!)

I saw Newsies with my friend while it was touring. I really loved it and I’m so glad I was able to see it. I hope that Disney brings it back to Broadway 🎭.

I saw it on Thursday, it was truly amazing! It was a matinee and the audience wasn't full so the vibe wasn't quite there but I couldn't stop grinning the whole way through. We were so close to the stage and we had 5 (!) understudies on and they were all amazing!

Newsies couldn’t ask for a better cheerleader. Your enthusiasm is a great promotion for the show. 👍🏻🙏😎

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR YOUR REVIEW OF THIS! I saw Newsies on Wednesday and thought it was absolutely amazing. There were a few technical difficulties with the sound mix that must have been fixed by now, but they were the only nitpicky things I had about it. There were also standing ovations mid-act on Wednesday, so I wouldn't be surprised if these happened every week! I am 100% going back to see it again, from a different angle this time, maybe front row of Manhatten as I was in Woodside when I went. Can't wait to see your OMG HEY! vlog! xx

We saw it in preview and only criticism was the sound was not very good. My daughter who has now seen it 3 times! said it had improved by opening night. The dancing is amazing and i would happily see it again!

I saw it Saturday last week, and although I agree with much of this review, I regret to say that there were sound issues (maybe subsequently fixed) which detracted a lot from the clarity of the lyrics. The show is high energy and somewhat immersive but almost too hectic and spread out in its staging at moments, resulting inevitably in portions of the show which should be powerful going unnoticed by large swarths of the crowd. For example the female Newsies making their triumphant entrance *behind*, the front seats, resulting in a bit of confusion as half the audience clocks on and the rest don't, or audience members sitting on the sides being entirely unable to get the dramatic silhouette on the banner at the end of Once and for All. Still others spend the whole show peering through scaffolding. Sitting in Manhatten then is my recommendation for the best view, but I was sat in row Z way at the back which presented its own problems, not least that I had to crane forward to watch any action unfurling toward the front of the stage, and the stuff that took place on the scaffolding was like watching ants. Santa Fe is probably my favourite show tune of all time and it was highly anticipated, but as mentioned in the above video it falls a bit flat in terms of its somewhat emotionless performance which didn't deliver the kind of punch I wanted to close act 1. Anyway, the power of the choreography make up for the shortcomings, and I'd still rate it a 7/10. But the sound issues and chaotic staging knocked it down a few pegs. I would love to see it again sitting closer this time and with the benefit of hindsight actually knowing where best to direct my attention. Overall an enjoyable experience, but it left me, reluctantly, somewhat wanting.

Thank you so so much for this review! Honestly it’s the most incredible special show I’ve ever been a part of! 🗞🗞🗞🗞🤍🤍🤍🤍

My friend and I had front row seats in flushing for the final preview, I’ll never have another theatre experience like it! They were always sat or stood right in front of us, and Race nearly kicked my friend right in the face because he couldn’t stop sliding towards the end of the stage😂 Honestly the best night ever!!

FYI, it’s Faist like “heist”

Sounds like a perfect show for the Gillian Lynne theatre

Genuinely got a bit teary when he started talking about the Brooklyn newsies🥺

I LOVE Newsies! Got to see it almost a decade ago on Broadway (January 2013) with most of the original Broadway cast (minus Jeremy Jordan who already left by that point.) Corey Cott had just gotten married so I got to see Mike Faist understudy for Jack Kelly and Ryan Breslin as Davey. I already loved Newsies the musical before that, but the show just blew me away. And the live production reminded me of why I fell in love with the show in the first place. ❤️

The Troubadour Theatre makes a lot more sense as a venue when you realise it’s the old fountain tv studios (where X factor etc was filmed). It’s essentially a huge black box that you can do anything with so the atmosphere is entirely dependent on what the production does with the space.

I was lucky enough to see it last week and was blown away. I will definitely be going back.

Never fear, Brooklyn is here!

Would have been really cool if they'd printed up some cheap programs made to look like newspapers, and had concessions people dressed as newsies going through the audience selling them before the show started. Like the way that the waiters at Cabaret are (sort of) in character.

I saw this show in London yesterday it was amazing 🤩

Omg , I watched newsies when I was a kid , like 8 years ago I believe. I won a ticket at Radio Disney. I generally hate musicals but I remember enjoying this one lol

Newsies is my favorite musical of all time, but I've never seen the Broadway version--partly because I'm upset that they changed the reporter character without changing the lyrics in "King of New York", and partly because they changed the backstory and motivation of the main character. 😢

The proshot of newsies wasn’t for Disney+. It was on Netflix for years before Disney+’s release, which is how I found it :)) (unless that was the plan from the beginning and I didn’t know lol then in that case ignore me) great vid as always!

I went to see Newsies last Saturday, not knowing anything about the show. I agree that the staging and choreography is fantastic (being lucky enough to have got an aisle seat in the Brooklyn section I was at the end of the zip wire which was a huge surprised!) but the show was 20mins late starting and there was something seriously wrong with the sound throughout. It was what I can only describe as muffled meaning I couldn't hear what they were singing (which in turn makes it a lot harder to understand what's going on). I assume they may have fixed that as you didn't mention any problem but it's hard to say I thoroughly enjoyed it due to that huge problem. I agree with what you said about the venue. I've been there once before (Curious Incident) and hated the pre-show experience - being crammed in a warehouse is not pleasant. Running out of Programmes is also unforgivable in my book (I could only forgive that for a small production coming to the end of its run at a push). Once you get in to the auditorium, however, everything is great and the seats are very comfortable. It did get cold in there though so I put my coat on for the second half. Still had an ice cream at the interval though - would be rude not to!

Haha, mea culpa. Have to admit that the first thing I thought when I saw the title of this video was "I wonder if they had to dumb-down the choreography." I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Just this small clip looks absolutely fantastic. So happy to be wrong and so pleased to see an old-fashioned, newly re-imagined musical hit.

We're going in February 😃. Booked the tickets as soon as it was announced 👍

When I went to see this show me and my friends were sat in Brooklyn and sat behind us was Matt Cole, the mother of the child actor and main performer who plays Romeo and it was the so insanely surreal

Well that's my third show for birthday week booked, thanks Mickey-Jo!

Good show, one major point for me is during my performance theatre staff let so many latecomers in at key points in the show it was very distracting, I’m talking about 15 people. The actual show is creative and innovative, I hope it does well.

The broadway musical that was recorded was not for Disney plus . It was actually a one weekend release in theaters and then it was on Netflix for a little bit and then Disney moved it to Disney plus .. I became a huge fan of Ben cook because of the show he is absolutely amazing..

Went to see to last week and wow was amazing. Loved the venue as well. Very cool

Hey you didn't mention how Matthew Duckett's performance as crutchie was. I really liked him in the recent Lady Chatterley's lover adaptation. I'm in the u.s and really upset I can't see him in this production.

Saw a preview last week - sat in Manhattan row X which gave a great view of all the action. Agree with everything you said, including a slight disappointment with the lack of chemistry between the leads. Just didn’t feel the passion. All other aspects were amazing though. Already booked next visit!

Always look forward to your reviews and enjoyed this one very much. I ran across another review earlier today and that person spoke very highly of the production over all but also made comments about some serious "sound issues" as other comments here have also noted. You made no mention of problems with the sound so I'm hoping that means those have been fixed. I live in the US and travel to London with several friends for an annual "Theatre Week" and was excited to receive an email today saying that NEWSIES was extending it's run through April 2023 so we will be able to catch it when we are over at the end of March. My introduction to NEWSIES was watching the proshot at the movies when it was shown as one of the "Fathom Events". I enjoyed it so much that as soon as it became available I purchased a digital copy so I can watch it whenever I want now. 🙂

Watched this last week and LOVED it.

WHAT a curtain call!! (Nice nod of the show with your chosen hat 😉)

Hi, it was good to meet you briefly last night and I tend to agree with what you have posted. I will add that when I saw the first show there were lots of Newsies moving around the audience talking and shouting to each other. This seems to have gone, which is a real shame, although it started 15 minutes late so they had possibly been sent out to entertain the audience. You mentioned papers flying around. When the Newsies printed their banner, originally two of them came down from the roof and threw them over the audience. Last night the Newsies just came down their ladders and threw them into the audience. The poor girl in front of me got them in the face. I don’t think I can add a picture of what it says on here, unfortunately. I would add that it is a must see show. I’ve been a few times and will definitely go back before it ends. It is worth it just for the dancing!

Huge Newsies fan in Melbourne. I just saw Jack Chambers as our Bert in Mary Poppins (So You Think You Can Dance winner and Cosmo in Singin in the Rain - Amazing!). I wondered if they're setting him up to be our Jack Kelly. Given that there's a slight pattern of Disney starting with a UK tour, then Aus/ NZ tour (with Beauty and the Beast recently) - wishful thinking but please!! And yes, we have the young male dancing talent

Do you think that there is any chance this production will be filmed? I have seen several versions including the original Disney film and, while there is little chance I will get to the UK to see this one, I would really love to see it.

Want to wish you and Aeron a lovely Christmas season be happy together ❤️😅

Seeing it next week and this review gets me even more excited! :)

You have convinced me...tickets booked!

Jealous that you got a program they didn't have any when I went sadly. ( Saturday evening of previews) especially sad as id travelled down from Yorkshire so its not like ill get much of a chance to see it again any time soon. --- I sat near the back of Richmond it was great for most of it but I did mean I missed the Brooklyn moment and some other moments but near the end when they were all hmm-ing it was amazing as you could fully hear them behind and around it was wonderful. --- I hope they have fixed the sound issues they had especially crutchys mic wasn't quite right and I hope they make sure all the lanterns work. ---- The dancers were all incredible and if they go on tour near me and will book straight away!!!! Its been over 2 weeks since I've seen it and I keep thinking about it and smiling with happiness.

Omg went last night. It was amazing so much going on, I need to go again

The sound was appalling, not sure if this was venue related, lazy diction or the sound engineer not getting the balance right, but couldn't understand most of the words anything the ensemble was singing, dreadful. When so much care has gone into the choreography, direction and design, the sound must match the high standards otherwise it's just white noise. so frustrating. I do think the diction of actors doing accents is probably another factor. argh!

Ahh yes, I’ve been waiting to hear your opinion

I'm pretty sure the version that's on Disney Plus was shot well before Disney Plus was even a thing. Unless I'm tripping.

FYI Broadway is defined by seat count. Lincoln Center theater is away from the traditional grid but has 1000+ seats. Some theaters are between 41st and 54th but have less than 500 seats

I loved it on Broadway with Corey Cott.

Spoiler comment: I love that the UK production has female newsies! When I watched the proshot, I looked up the historical strike and it did mention that there were female newsies then, too. So, it's great that they represent that bit.

So so good that I would schlep to Wembley multiple times. And that’s saying something 😂

Went to see this yesterday without having seen/heard the film or the original musical - just saw it was coming to the west end and thought it looked interesting. On the plus side, I really loved the venue, staging, and all the dance performances. We were sat right on the back row and it was cool to see the whole set with cast members running around all the gantries etc. Unfortunately, the book/music just didn't capture me. Seize the day was great! (me and my friend were humming/singing this the rest of the afternoon), but I can't say I really remember any of the other songs. I also HATED the romance between Catherine and Jack. I just didn't buy it and it really started irking me the longer it went on. Having said that, I had a good time overall as a day out. Im glad I went to see it if just to experience a new venue. I wouldn't rush to see it again though.

The Newsies Broadway choreographer said it was not true that there was not enough dancing talent in the UK. He said there was enough dancing talent for three casts. I have no idea why they didn't produce a show in the UK years ago. Lack of talent was not the reason.

I really enjoyed it really nice theatre, however I don’t understand why the need to stand and wait for a standing ovation not even at the end of the first half. Wait till the end. Overall very impressive

Do we know if we are gunna get a London cast recording?

I would love so much to see this production but between being immunocompromised from covid and living in the North of Scotland it just won't be possible and I don't want to risk my health more. I'd love to see Matthew Duckett as Crutchie to see a disabled actor playing the role even if he is older than you'd probably expect for it. It would have been nice if they embraced the disabled community more and had some performances where masks were required. Disabled people may have made it on the stage but we're still excluded from the audience.

I also wish it was more immersive. Rather than just the actors running past. They weren’t really having conversations it all seemed as if they were just running around

I went here as a school to TCIOTDITN for my GCSEs and thought it was incredible, I’m trying to decide between this or the Book of Mormon to go and watch

I really didn't like the Brooklyn thing, to be honest - worst thing in the show. It felt patronising and silly. Other than that the only disappointment was the set not moving during 'Once and For All' (if the lanterns had worked, it might not have mattered, but only half were lit). Overall though it was a fantastic show - I'd love to see it transfer to a more traditional theatre setup.

Hey there ! I have not seen Matilda or Newsies before. Which one would you recommend to see out the two ? Thanks in advance 😊

Growing up, all of my friends LOVED the original movie. It definitely grew a cult following on TV & video. But the show is definitely better.

I have to agree with the sound problems, the sound of the orchestra was so opaque and muffled that it lost all its power, and the voice mixing also wasn’t good. Unfortunately, the show really doesn’t work for me like this, it really hindered my enjoyment. Such a shame because it’s a stunning production and the ensemble especially is brilliant.

I would love to see this version, hope a slime tutorial turns up

I watched this on the weekend for my birthday after being a huge fan of the film and filmed production of Jeremy Jordan and was disappointed. The man playing Jack Kelly could not sing, his voice cracked on Santa Fe so maybe it was a bad night for him but it was hard to listen to after hearing Jeremy Jordan and his acting wasn’t too great either, he just didn’t have that jack kelly attitude and charisma for me. The newsies however are exceptionally amazing and worth the watch!

Thanks!

This is the kind of Newsies I wish they'd had here in the US. I love the movie, but was disappointed with the tour version I saw. It just couldn't capture the energy of the film for me. But this sounds like something I would have loved!

Do you have any theatres in London similar to Broadway's Circle in the Square that offers a theatre in the round where they can close off a section, if need be? Productions like Once On This Island used all seats and actors could from any side of the center. One entrance from backstage to the stage was full of water, so actors had to walk through the water when entering. If London has this kind of theatre of the round that also has the ability to have seats go under the floor, if needed, it might be most ideal. In Seattle, the Paramount is a traditional proscenium stage like London theatres. However, the Paramount is home to not just Broadway shows. It hosts anything from Broadway to dance to blue man group to symphony orchestras to famous singers to comedians and rock concerts. When it's a Broadway show, all seats are sold. When it's a rock concert, 1 whole section movrs upward smd tgen seats from other row slide underneath them. Its really cool. They might have a video of this on the internet somewhere, actually, someone did record the process on RU-vid.

Spring Awakening, Cabaret and Newsies are the shows, after the pandemic, that have focused a lot on staging with amazing results. About Newsies for me the biggest fault is the main male character: his performance is the less communicative of all.

That rumour isn’t true about casting. The funding was pulled last time it was workshopped.

My view -- As a show/musical, Newsies is mediocre. BUT . . . . as a piece of theatre & an AWESOME display of INCREDIBLE choreography/dancing & performances, then it is (currently) unsurpassed. There are truly wonderful set pieces & the opening number of the 2nd Act builds & builds until dancers are tap-dancing on tables and swinging & spinning from lamps. The staging & set are breathtaking with the dancers/gymnasts being in complete synch with each other. . . . HOWEVER, apart from the slow gentle songs, the cavernous theatre space offers terrible sound quality which makes decyphering of any song words impossible. A shame, because I assume they were very relevant. The sound quality really is NOT good, not helped by a too-loud band. But it's a wonderful piece of theatre & you can't help but be bowled-over by the dancing.

were there any mic/sound issues or have they now been fixed? so glad you loved it!

Could you do one for wicked

Alan Menken score....no more needs to be said to get a fansie of me haha

I. Want. To. See. This.

I don’t like newsies much at all - I am always somehow underwhelmed by the soundtrack and recording however im intrigued and do want to give it a chance !

I saw the second preview - and found it a little disappointing as my eyelids spent a lot of time resting 😫😫😫 - including through siege the day. I saw the last box jump - sort of - though! So fed up 😭. My daughter (an Artsed student) who has been stupidly excited about it, basically thought it was insane and wants to go again. We loved the whole design of the thing, the lighting was clever and I’m pretty sure she’d agree with you on many things

Will we have a matilda video buy the end of next week