Jeremy Jordan at the Royal Albert Hall

The first time I saw Jeremy Jordan, like many others, was in Disney’s Newsies. Yes, he may have been a 30-something-year-old playing a teenager, but from the moment he belted out ‘Santa Fe’, I was captivated.

So, when I stumbled across a random TikTok announcing he’d be doing a one-night-only show at the Royal Albert Hall, I didn’t hesitate. I bought tickets immediately.

Two weeks later, on Saturday 12 July, I found myself sitting in the Royal Albert Hall, surrounded by thousands of like-minded people. What did we have in common? We’d all fallen in love with Jeremy at some point in our lives.

The setlist took us through his career, from stage to screen – Newsies, Smash, The Last Five Years, The Great Gatsby, Waitress, Bonnie & Clyde, and much more

Though the concert was advertised as a one-man show, Jeremy was joined by his long-time musical director, Benjamin Rauhala, and a small ensemble of musicians. The setlist took us through his career, from stage to screen – Newsies, Smash, The Last Five Years, The Great Gatsby, Waitress, Bonnie & Clyde, and much more.

In true Jeremy-fashion, he didn’t just sing, he told stories and cracked jokes – I’ve never felt the Royal Albert Hall feel so intimate. One highlight was one of the first medleys he performed – a celebration of those who had performed there before him. The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, the Spice Girls – his vocal range was outstanding (though nothing I wasn’t already expecting). Another standout was a Disney prince medley that left everyone wondering why Disney hasn’t cast him in a live action yet. Come on, Disney.

Of course, his Newsies segment was a crowd pleaser. Jeremy somehow managed to perform a 15-minute recap of the entire show, playing all the parts and singing a bit from almost every number. It was slightly exhausting to witness. Thankfully, an interval followed, giving him, and us, a well-earned break.

During the break, my sister and I speculated who the special guests might be. He had already brought out Natalie Paris (original Jane Seymour in SIX) and Mikael, the guitarist of his rock band Age of Madness. Our guesswork paid off when Frances Mayli McCann (my own prediction) took the stage. Together, they performed a number from The Great Gatsby, a musical they have both recently starred in.

Later, we were treated to another surprise guest, Jordan Luke Gage, who played Clyde in the West End production of Bonnie & Clyde, opposite McCann. Jeremy, of course, originated the role on Broadway. Together, they performed a duet medley, perfectly named Clyde & Clyde.

He performed “How Glory Goes” in [his grandmother’s] memory, a number which left not a single dry eye in the room

The peak of the night came when Jeremy paid tribute to his grandmother, who passed away while he was starring as Floyd Collins on Broadway. He performed ‘How Glory Goes’ in her memory, a number which left not a single dry eye in the room.

No Jeremy Jordan concert would be complete without ‘Santa Fe’ and the signature Newsies hat made its entrance mid-song thanks to a quick intervention from a stagehand. Of course, Jeremy forgot it. And finally, he closed the night with his viral rendition of ‘She Used to Be Mine’ from Waitress. If you have not seen the video online, watch it now – although nothing compares to hearing it live.

I have two people to thank for this unforgettable night. First, the stranger on TikTok who made me aware of it, and second, Jeremy. Seeing him in person has been a lifelong dream of mine and seeing him at the Royal Albert Hall is something I shall never forget. Just waiting on that Tony, Jeremy. No pressure.