The long-awaited cult classic musical Newsies, based on the 1992 film, adapted by Harvey Fierstein, lyrics by Jack Feldman and music by Alan Menken, premiered on Broadway a decade ago and has finally arrived in the UK premiering at London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.

Set at the turn of the 20th Century in New York, Newsies recounts the real-life events of the newsboys of Lower Manhattan as they plan to strike and rise up against the publishing mogul Joseph Pulitzer. Led by Jack Kelly, the Newsies are protesting about Pulitzer raising the price of newspapers, meaning they can no longer afford to buy them to re-sell.

Matt Cole has constructed and carefully crafted impeccably choreographed awe-inspiring routines, which are reminiscent of classic musicals such as Annie, Seven Brides and Seven Brothers, West Side Story and Oklahoma! The choreography is equally emotive and striking, as it is exhilarating, with its culmination of tap and ballet elements. Filled with unforgettable dance numbers such as “Carrying the Banner”, “Seize the Day” and “King of New York” which sends the audience into a state of ecstasy. A level of choreography that I have not seen on a London stage.

Morgan Large‘s overwhelming set design envelops and immerses the audience in an authentic suburb of Lower Manhattan. With walkways, the auditorium is adorned with scaffolding around the perimeter, a hanging glass window, a thrust stage and a three-tier balcony.

With so much action happening at every turn, if you so much as blink you might just miss something. The newsboys hardly leave the auditorium and only catch their breath when moving around the perimeter of the auditorium or during the fluid scene transitions.

Leading the pack, the protagonist underdog, played by Michael Ahomka-Lindsay, is the charismatic Jack Kelly who dreams of a simpler life in Santa Fe. He is endearing and playful, with an outward charm and confidence. Lindsay’s engaging performance of “Santa Fe” is captivating, with vocals that fill the entire auditorium. Alongside him is Bronté Barbé, as the headstrong and witty Katherine Plumber; her performance of “Watch What Happens” is a real stand-out. Ryan Kopel is an equal stand-out as the anxious new kid and brains behind the strike. Moya Angela does a wonderful job as the busty yet lavish vaudeville headliner Medda Larkin.

The sizeable ensemble cast each with a distinctive personality brings a palpable adrenaline-filled energy from the moment they are introduced leaping, bounding and even flying from every conceivable angle absorbing the audience into the story with them. As a collective, the vibration caused by their movement creates a truly immersive atmosphere for the audience. Working in synchronised unison, executing each routine with effortless precession, while also maintaining athletic agility, their consistent high energy and stamina levels are unrivalled by any other show playing in London. They are an imperative and integral driving force holding the formulaic story together. Deserving of all the acclaim from the resounding applause and standing ovations. I would like to see them recognised at the upcoming Olivier Awards as a testament to their talent.