Bugsy Malone

North Stars Theatre Company’s production of Bugsy Malone was a riot of splurge, sass and fun. The set was kept very simple with few props needing attention which enabled the cast to fully immerse themselves in their characters. The stage was handled by Katy Bland - great job Katy.

It always astounds me when chatting afterwards when I ask about the youngest and oldest age of the performers. In this particular production the youngest was four and the oldest sixteen. The performances given did not betray these ages, so I say massive well done to all the cast and crew of Bugsy Malone.

The costumes were well in keeping with the era and it was great to see sequins glinting away of Fat Sam’s dancing girls .

Fat Sam himself was confidently played by George Denton. His characterisation worked well for me and I particularly enjoyed his accompanying facial expressions.

Tallulah was played by the talented Liv Reid. Her song delivery showed a young lady very comfortable on the stage and full of the sass and energy that this role needs.

Blouse Brown was ably played by Niamh Buckley. From the moment she appeared on the stage we (the audience) were mesmerised. We lived through each triumph and heartbreak. She took us along on her journey as she gave us complete vulnerability - to then find out that she is only thirteen was quite a shock. She is definitely a name to watch out for in the future. She delivered her songs and dialogue straight from the heart and huge respect has to go to the Musical Director Darcey McCoy for holding her hand and believing in her ability to deliver.

Bugsy Malone was played by Kieran Mitchell. Again he also showed us a vulnerable side and the chemistry between Bugsy and Blousey was lovely to watch unfold.

Tayler Green played Dandy Dan. He certainly seemed very at home in the role of a gangster mob boss and delivered his dialogue and pies well.

The last cast member I will mention by name is Amelia Wright. She played both Bronx Charlie and Leroy. She delivered her dialogue well and I enjoyed all her facial and body expressions that she put into both characters.

The whole ensemble worked together fully as a team and it is very apparent that every single person on that stage were enjoying themselves. The dancers danced and smiled, the mob gangs splurged and pie’d each other, Fizzy swept, the detective investigated and it was all done with enthusiasm. Yes, there were a few sound goblins and gremlins, but the cast behaved with professionalism under the careful eyes of both their Director/Producer Linzi McCoy and their Choreographer/Musical Director Darcey McCoy.

I look forward to your next production and have to simply say Well Done Guys!! 

See you soon....

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