As an NSTA representative, I had the pleasure of visiting The Wilde Theatre on Thursday 19th February 2026 to watch BARTA Theatre Academy’s fearless production of Disney’s Newsies Junior. Directed and produced with expertise, Mark Hooper and Sally Kelly brought this show to life, showcasing the talent of an impressively large cast. BARTA Theatre Academy is clearly providing fantastic opportunities and guidance to the young theatrical community in Berkshire.

Following the success of the 1992 film Newsies, starring a young Christian Bale, Disney adapted the script for the stage, opening on Broadway in 2012. Praised for its athletic choreography and powerful score, the triumphant production ran for over 1,000 performances and won two Tony Awards for Best Choreography and Best Original Score. Set in New York City in 1899, the story follows Jack Kelly, a charismatic teenage newsboy who dreams of leaving the city for a better life in Santa Fe. With the help of young reporter Katherine Plumber, the newsboys organise, protest and stand up to powerful business leaders.

Ben delivered a compelling performance in the leading role of Jack, drawing the audience in with a tender rendition of ‘Santa Fe’ without wavering. It is clear that he is an experienced performer, portraying Jack’s bravery and leadership with natural flair. Commanding the stage throughout, Ben’s projection and clarity made him well suited to the role, while his excellent singing tone would lend itself equally well to contemporary popular music. Ben is a truly well-rounded performer.

Katherine is a mature and intelligent character, which can be challenging to cast in youth theatre, but Lily delivered a performance of notable maturity that uplifted the cast and demonstrated her assured acting ability. Her vocals soared in ‘Watch What Happens’. The beginning of the number is particularly tricky, as Katherine’s uncertainty and self-doubt must be conveyed through fast-paced lyrics, yet Lily navigated this with ease. As Katherine’s confidence grew, so too did the power in Lily’s voice, showcasing her range and tone.

Supporting Lily and Ben in these leading roles was a very talented company. Evie’s portrayal of Davey remained true to the character’s responsible nature, standing up for what they believe in while protecting their energetic younger brother, Les. In particular, Evie’s vocal control and line delivery captured the audience’s attention with impressive clarity. As Davey’s younger brother Les, Lucy won over both crowd and reporters with confidence and humour, exactly as the role demands. Through sharp one-liners and bold characterisation, Lucy embraced the part effortlessly.

A special mention must go to Ella-Mae for her portrayal of Crutchie, a newsboy living with a physical disability who maintains an unwavering sense of optimism despite hardship. Crutchie’s friendship with Jack was clearly established, expressed through warmth, humour and resilience that anchored the relationship beautifully. Ella-Mae’s performance was both thoughtful and assured, resulting in a truly standout contribution to the production.

The ensemble, a diverse mix of ages, worked harmoniously to bring joy and vitality to the production. The final scenes were heart-warming, revealing the true scale of the cast united in a vibrant finale. It was especially impressive to see such a high standard among the junior ensemble, young performers who must only be in primary school, yet already demonstrating the determination and passion of striking newsboys.

It is clear that dance is a particular strength at BARTA, and the cast consistently performed large ensemble numbers with confidence and precision. Choreography by Amy Gough and Helen Thompson had the audience eager to leap up and raise their fists. It was lively, punchy and energetic. ‘Brooklyn’s Here’ particularly highlighted the exceptional dance ability of the older ensemble members and delivered a powerful impact.

Clever staging and effective use of the auditorium aisles created the sense that the newsboys were protesting on every side. Everywhere one looked, there was passion and grit. Costumes by Laura Tudor were both fun and appropriate, giving each cast member a clear identity and sense of place within the production. Lighting throughout the show was creative and polished.

This production of Newsies Junior was energetic and full of heart. BARTA should be commended for managing such a large cast while ensuring visible enjoyment on the face of every cast member throughout. It is evident that BARTA sits at the heart of its community, bringing young people together through the performing arts. This was an assured and thoughtfully crafted production that clearly captivated the entire audience, as reflected in their enthusiastic response at the curtain call.