Newsies leaps into London
Disney’s Newsies has arrived in London with leaps and bounds, delighting audiences and critics alike. Adapted from the film, which starred Christian Bale, this exciting musical tells the story of a band of plucky newsboys who stand up to the powerful newspaper tycoon Joseph Pulitzer. Packed with astounding choreography and songs by Disney veterans Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, it’s an uplifting show that’s sure to entertain.
What’s the story?
It’s the turn of the 20th century and the newsboys of New York City are struggling to make ends meet. Then wealthy magnate Joseph Pulitzer puts the price of his newspaper bundles up, and the newsies decide they’ve had enough. Led by Jack Kelly, they rise up and fight for justice with the only weapon they have - solidarity.
The production is based on the real-life newsboys’ strikes of 1899, with Jack Kelly being based on Louis ‘Kid Blink’ Baletti, so nicknamed for his single eye. Kid Blink worked with union president David Simmons to force Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst to come to an agreement that changed the way newsies were paid for decades to come.
What sets Newsies apart?
Unlike the Newsies Broadway musical, the London production is performed in a thrust, meaning audiences sit on three sides of the stage. The cast members leap along stairways, stampede down the aisles, and swing from the light fixtures, bringing a dynamism that keeps audiences fully immersed in the world of the show. Everywhere you look in the auditorium, there are newsies to be found - something you won’t find in a traditional staging of a musical.
Who’s in the cast?
The cast of the London Newsies play is led by Michael Ahomka-Lindsay, a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who has previously appeared in Legally Blonde. He plays the strong, expressive Jack Kelly, who rallies his fellow newsies to rebellion. Along the way, Jack falls for young reporter Katherine Plumber, who is played by Bronté Barbé, a stage veteran with shows like Beautiful and Hairspray under her belt. Cameron Blakely plays Joseph Pulitzer, while Moya Angela gives a strong performance as Medda Larkin.
What do the critics think?
This dazzling show has been praised by critics for its spirited choreography and rousing numbers. Katerina Partolina Schwartz of Broadway Baby gave the show five stars, calling Newsies “an absolutely electrifying show to watch…an example of the very best musical theatre.”
Meanwhile, James Edge of West End Best Friend wrote, “We’ve never seen a show with such an in-sync ensemble whose energy and dedication blew us away from start to finish.”
Book your tickets
Don’t miss the stunning Newsies production, which is at the Troubadour Wembley Park until April 2023. Performances take place at 7.30pm Wednesday to Saturday, with additional matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm. There are also showings at 1pm and 5.30pm on Sundays. Book your tickets here with KX Tickets, the specialist in London event and theatre tickets.
