Bugsy Malone

BUGSY MALONE

Presented by

Five Towns Theatre

Based on the play by Alan Parker and hit film of the same name, with Music and lyrics by Paul Williams. The stage was flanked by two 30’s style cars, with a city skyline front tab to set the scene firmly in the USA.

From the moment the first victim got Splurge gunned from Dandy Dan - Alex Dale’s henchmen, in their wonderfully colourful zootsuits, swiftly followed by the second victim, a lawyer in a barber’s chair, there were waves of laughter emerged from the audience. Bodies continued to drop regularly.

As the front tabs open, tables and chairs were moved into place by the well-dressed cast, the ambiance akin to the period of prohibition, where speakeasy’s were hidden from plain site for fear of arrest and conviction. This led straight into the opening number Fat Sam’s Grand Slam Speakeasy, lavish and lively.

We meet Bugsy - Ryan Moors; he filled the role with a great balanced presence. Blousey - Charlotte Myatt; sassy, nobody’s fool, wannabe singer, going from audition to audition. Bugsy, smitten, does his best to assist in her quest. Subtle performances, very well observed by both young actors.

Fat Sam - Jack Roberts, excellent tirade at his yes men gang members, totally under the thumb of Tallulah - Keeley Evans. Excellent observations throughout the casting, each bringing the right amount of attitude/fear to build the tension of 30/40s gang warfare, particularly impressive was the fast-paced accented dialogue.

The cast ranging in age from six to nineteen were a joy to watch. Well drilled, thoroughly ensconced in their roles and in the overall performance to audience. A credit to the production team.

To counter the crimewave, the Cops led by Captain Smolsky - Oliver Oldfield, together with O’Dreary/English Reporter - Isabelle Hutt. The comedic element these two brought to the production was almost slapstick at times reminiscent of the Keystone Cops, very funny indeed.

Musical Director Keith Ragdale, great musicians as usual; Directors Keith Ragdale and Abby Evans always work well together; the whole production team always seem to bring the best out of their cast. Choreographer/ Producer Ed Costello worked his cast well, the show numbers were enthusiastic and authentic looking.

Costumes were vibrant and colourful, they really zinged on the stage, only marred by a pair of Nike trainers in the Dock 17 scene. All scenes thoughtfully lit, a few sound issues with mics distracted a little from the overall show quality.

The big cast obviously loved performing in this show, the attempted upstaging dancers, vying with Tallulah in My Name is Tallulah was hilarious. The So You Wanna be a Boxer, Slugger’s Gym was very funny.

Absolute peach of a show, vibrant, funny, fast paced.

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