Newsies - Troubadour Wembley Park

Contact the box office - they're really good with exchanges

This absolutely is a dance show and I had a great time - I just think people are kidding themselves if they though that any of the newsboys were anything other than dancers who sing and act a bit.

I do think they have quite a problem with the lead though - its a big part to carry and you can get away with it if you are sensational at 1 of the 3 disciplines...sadly he just isn't.

Does Jack have much dancing to do in this? I was never quite sure if it was minimized for Jeremy Jordan or it's written that way.
I've only heard good things about the leads elsewhere and have been impressed with Michael's voice in the past so looking forward to see what I think later. I did think the bows videos he looked a bit shell shocked!
Theatre twitter is practically wetting itself over last night, there's definitely a hype building but I wonder if it's sustainable.

It's not exactly flying, but there are parts where someone will swing down from (I think) the back of the 'Manhattan' section. Another part where multiple people are in the air spinning about on lights. I'm not convinced it's necessary and would happily give it up in exchange for moving the production to a 'proper' theatre, but it went down really well and I did like the bit in King of New York.

He doesn't do the all-out dancing, but I did think he did a bit more than Jeremy Jordan. If I'm remembering correctly, Jack was originally (as in, back at the Paper Mill Playhouse) even in King of New York, but that was pulled. Possibly because Jeremy Jordan isn't really a dancer, possibly to give the lead a break. 

I thought Michael made a charming Jack Kelly, and will only get better as the run goes on. He could do with a little more visible confidence, but you have to cut the lad a bit of slack on first preview of course. I'm looking at booking later in the run, I'd like to see how he grows into it.

Regarding hype, I did find myself wondering whether we might see a repeat of what happened with the US production, but it's possible the current climate for theatre just won't support it. 

I think going to a first preview, you've got to expect at least a little bit of "maybe he'll grow into the role".

First time poster - wanted to comment since I was at the preview yesterday. I had never seen Newsies before.

I think the dancers were all absolutely amazing. The choreography was great and they had the stamina and chops for it to look incredible.

However, I feel very strongly that the main actors were not good at singing. Some of it was probably the sound, to be fair - I couldn't understand anything they were saying for the first 20 min, and then it got somewhat better. Also, I believe the music was pre-recorded and too loud at times. Still, the musical performances were just not good enough - Jack was constantly off-tempo and a bit off-key, Medda was off-key in the higher notes, and the rest of the cast was just ok.

I would recommend this for the dancing (it was some of the most incredible that I've seen before), but as a whole musical it's 3* for me.

Any info on merch?
Especially the life size Jeremy Jordan model I'm looking for

Based on the reviews from here; I impulse bought a ticket for this week. Very excited!

Also worth pointing out that they didn't have everything last night. Presume they're still waiting for some things (tote bags, pin sets, etc.) to come in? Unless they all sold out before I got there?

I've not seen him yet so can't comment on the actor in the role in this production, I'm just saying generally that this is the case. Though to be honest I'd have thought it wouldn't be that hard to cast. He doesn't need to be a great dancer as we saw with Jeremy Jordan, so they don't need to find a triple threat, they just need someone who has a great voice and a bit of charisma. 

Well, where to begin with this (another) Disney hit!

Firstly, this is a big venue to fill.

For those not aware, the Troubabour Theatre the old studios where the X Factor was filmed.

The foyer is quite busy and the queue for the merchandise was quite long, but fast moving.

Also, despite it being cold outside, I could swear that they were pumping heat through vents as it was quite warm and there were definite 'warm' patches.

Last night started late by about 15 minutes.

Because it's a bigger venue, the stage is also big but it was filled when those Newsies boys came on stage.

This is a big cast with an impressive set. All 'adult' members of the cast were strong, acting and singing.

The costumes are perfect, with the occasional flat cap falling off.

But it was the Newsies that we all came to see. I challenge any one of them to be day over 25 and (genuinely) their mother's must be beaming with pride.

There were Newsies singing, doing backflips, tap-dancing on table tops, swinging from large lights above the stage and (at times) the audience and swinging on ropes .

All those young lads earning their graft in the chorus in shows like Anything Goes, 42nd Street Mamma Mia! or Mary Poppins, here was their chance to shine, all in sync, all on their toes and pirouetting .

Yes, there was the odd mic problem and the random spotlight issue but nothing was going to calm down this extremely enthusiastic crowd, of quite varying ages.

(Trust me- I'm giving nothing away here) half way through the second act about 7 female Newsies emerged and the young girl next to me screamed so loudly- hysterically, I honestly couldn't hear a word they were saying!

Michael Ahomka-Lindsay as Jack Kelly is by no means a Jeremy Jordan however quite good, vocally strong and competent when he did have to dance.

Similarly Bonte Barbe as Katherine Plumber is very well cast, at many times being the only female on stage and holding her own.

For those concerned, although there is no actual audience interaction, the cast do run through the audience regularly. sing at them and maybe handing out a newspaper to two.

As stated above, the show started a little late last night- about 7:45 instead of 7:30 and intermission was at 9pm. Show finished at about 10:30. it's no more than a 10 minute walk to the station.

If I had to describe this show in a word, I'd say dynamic!

As terrific as it was, and it really was, the constant thought that ran through my mind was for how long are these kids gonna keep up that level of stamina? Not just for this performance, but for the run.

I'm going out on a limb here but, this could quickly become one of the hottest tickets in town