Newsicals

Newsicals is Documental Productions’ twice-yearly love letter to new musical theatre. Made in partnership with Exeter Northcott Theatre, it’s a showcase where original new musical theatre songs and stories are shared for the very first time — sung live, loud and in front of a brilliantly supportive crowd.

Set in the Barnfield Theatre, Newsicals brings together composers, lyricists, book writers and performers from across the South West to test out new work, meet fellow musical theatre nerds, and soak up the buzz of what’s being made right now. Expect a mix of styles, sounds and stories, all performed live with performers’ own instrumentation or backing tracks.

A regular highlight of the night is the inclusive Sing and Sign Jukebox makaton choir, with a joyful, signed and sung set of iconic musical numbers alongside the new work.

If you love musical theatre and want a sneak peek at what’s coming next — or you’re curious to discover something brand new — Newsicals is the place to be.

This event is relaxed. This means we welcome anyone who prefers to attend events in a more informal environment for example neurodivergent audience members and those with learning disabilities and/or additional sensory and communication needs. During the show, audience members should feel comfortable making noise and moving around as and when they need to in a friendly environment. There is an admittance anytime policy, so you are free to come and go as you please. A number of sensory support items will be available, including fidget toys, ear defenders, and weighted blankets (please borrow items from the table in the foyer). There will be a programme with content warnings. There will be no flashing or strobing lights.

If you’re interested in performing a song from a current musical theatre project at Newsicals, please reach out to Lucy and Naomi at  [email protected]. Please introduce yourself with some brief info about yourself, and your show and chosen piece, as well as a demo of the song. All songs need to be performed live, but production values may vary. We’ll endeavour to include as many pieces as we can, but will also pay attention to showcase a range of musical theatre projects. Please note, if you are an artist interested in performing at this event, that the Barnfield Auditorium stage regrettably has no step free access for wheelchair users.