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Bugsy Malone

Author: Catherine Dixey

Information

Date
22nd February 2020
Society
The CTC
Venue
Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge
Type of Production
Youth, Musical
Artistic Director
Bridie Horne
Director
Madeleine Mears
Choreographer
Rosie Fuller
Musical Director
Rachel Robinson

This production of Bugsy Malone was by The CTC Juniors with the cast of 53 young performers aged just   5 – 14 years. In Bridie’s words “a talented, crazy bunch, having the time of their lives amidst the splurge” and she was certainly justified in being so proud of them.

The play by Alan Parker  which was adapted in 1997 as an all-youth  version, with words and music by Paul Williams.   Set in New York around the time of the gangsters Al Capone and Bugs Moran, it is a  musical comedy.  This gangster spoof has  machine guns firing  whipped cream at their targets with  a particularly ingenious effect  that once the targets have been splurged, they walk off the stage sideways, which added nicely to the comedy.  The set was  simple and  very effective with a black and white theme  and with the scene titles projected onto the backcloth to give a good 1920’s Art Deco feel, which was echoed on the design of the programme. Many of the young actors were also involved in moving props as well as having to remember their lines and dances. So well done for that. The costumes were  also just perfect for the period, as was the attention to detail with the hair styles.

Rowan Murphy played the lead role of Bugsy Malone,  having only just a couple of months previous performed  the role of the Artful Dodger in Oliver. He was confident and convincing in  his  portrayal and  always trying to stay one step ahead of  the other gangsters whilst also trying to impress Blousey Brown, (Polly Scoggins) a singer aspiring to make it to Hollywood. Polly had a couple of solos which she sang beautifully.  Sam Behnia played Fat Sam,  the leader of his gang, who were being attacked by Dandy Dan (Jack  Ryan) and his gang. Both  gangs did well in their acting and singing even down to their American accents. Whilst the two policemen, Smolsky and O’Dreary played by Charlie Bowden-Smith and William Davison were good in their comedy roles, and  who were always just too late to intercept the gangsters.

There were also some lovely songs by Tallulah played by Maisie Scott, and  Fizzy played by Ruby Ryan.  Virtually the whole cast were involved in dancing and singing in the numerous musical numbers which were performed with bags of energy and enthusiasm, including  the well known song ‘We could have been anything that we wanted to be’ or ‘Bad Guys’  as it is listed. I particularly enjoyed the Charleston dance which looked very professional,  and Tallulah’s Girls were good in their main numbers. The Ensembles featuring the younger members of the cast also performed  their  number ‘Down and Out’  with some nice harmonies and complex moves, with not one out of place. Special mention should go to Rosie Fuller for choreography and Rachel Robinson for vocals and for getting the very best out of these young people. 

It isn’t till you see these youngsters in their pen pictures that you are reminded of their young ages and we will certainly be following their progress with interest.  Well done to Bridie for her constant inspiration, and to Madeline and all the cast and team in pulling off another brilliant show.

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