Bugsy Malone

Once again this talented young company pulled out all the stops to stage what is one of the most-produced musicals for young stars. With a cast of what seemed like hundreds the youngsters acted and sang their hearts out on an extremely well-designed and constructed two-level set which boasted a dozen different scenes, changed by lighting and small inserts of props and furniture. This meant no black-outs or tab closures and kept the piece moving all the time. Well done stage designers and crew! In the title role of Bugsy Malone 13-year-old Calum Gibb was in command throughout and he was more than ably supported by Catie Mathieson as Blousey, who showed a talent for drama and a delightful singing voice well beyond her tender 11 years. Eilidh Watt carried the demanding role of Fat Sam with confidence and her gangster opposite number Dandy Dan was also very well portrayed by Jason Pan. I’m sure the gang members had a great time with their splurge guns. The glamour girls of the piece were ably portrayed and sung by Penny Stephens as Tallulah and Isla Nelson (Louella). Rebekah Mitchell showed she could not only sing but dance as well in her Tomorrow number as Fizzy. Space doesn’t allow for the mention of all individuals but highlights for me included how the whole show came alive with the spirited performance of Fat Sam’s Grand Slam by the entire company and some very funny cameo performances in the auditions scene. The scene in Cagey Joe’s Gym, You Wanna Be A Boxer was another winner and the following scene when Baby Face (Mathew Hughes) “came to the rescue” was a hoot. This was a most enjoyable production but I’m afraid I have a couple of “mini moans” to bring up. The suspect acoustics of the Reid Hall made much of the dialogue very difficult to catch; maybe my seat in the back row of the balcony didn’t help, but it made the naming of various characters a challenge and as a former newspaper and magazine editor could I suggest that your programme designers don’t use pale type-faces and coloured backgrounds – people want to check programme details when the house lights are down!! Sorry for my moans but all in all this was a super night of musical theatre and the Youngstars are certainly still Rising!

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