Disney’s Newsies Jr

Report on

Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Group’s

Production of
Disney’s “Newsies Jr”.
Production team:-

Sue Juggins, Archie Juggins, Hannah Peacock, Ella Jones,
Emily Minkov, AmyNeal, Penni Simpson, John Mills.

As seen by Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative
on Saturday, 13th, December, 2025, (Middle Show of three),
at The Town Hall, Chipping Sodbury, South Glous.

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in
question. The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is

inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in
particular the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only
be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms
expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher
standards in Amateur Theatre.
It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and
encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer
will prove helpful in improving future productions.

“Newsies JR” is a condensed version of a stage show telling of an 1899
New York incident . Young street traders trying to earn money by selling
newspapers seem to be losing their income because of a greedy
newspaper owner. They reach a decision to form a trade union and fight
to continue their work. The running time is about an hour so everything
moves at a cracking pace to convey this story. There was a very basic
but effective set on stage with an office to one side. The back wall was
covered with metalwork which provided plenty of room to move and
“group” whilst leaving the stage clear for dancing. The overall lighting
was well handled and effective. The musicians proved good support for
this young group and gave clear control during the songs. Costumes
were very good and period. It must have been a major task to clothe all
of the cast so well.

The songs felt fairly routine to me despite the very good singing shown
by the lead roles. My lack of love for the songs does not reflect on the
cast at all. Here was a very enthusiastic cast – well rehearsed in song
(and dance!) – which produced a wonderful sound. I would congratulate
all of them on a solid united performance. Of course I have to mention
Jack played so well by Eva. She became the keystone, quite rightly, of
the story – although there may have been some scene stealing by Finlay
playing Crutchie! It was wonderful to see such young people showing
such talent and support for one another. Everyone was a star as far as I
could tell.

After the last production by this group I was asked if I could attend this
show and I agreed and even gave an early date to visit. I was warmly
greeted and took my seats. I didn’t scan the programme whilst at the
venue and it was only when I sat down to write the report I found that
there was not a single mention of NODA or any logo. I am assuming that
in a very small crowded programme the omission was just an oversight –
although the list of other supporters was large. My visits and reports on
your show are only generated as part of your membership of NODA and
we do like to see your support in us shown in the programme.

Thank you all for presenting such a quality show and I look forward to

my next visit.
Kind regards

Bob Allen. NODA SW district 14 Representative

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and

only reflects the performance seen.

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