'Bugsy Malone'

Thank you for your kind invitation to report on your recent junior production of ‘Bugsy Malone’ on the opening night.  I understand that this was very much a community show, with a number of the young people new to acting included in the cast.  I have to say that I would not have known, as the whole cast was well disciplined,  full of energy and portrayed their different characters very well indeed. 

This is a tricky show to follow as an audience member, due to the multiple small scenes that jump from one gang to another and back.  However, for the first time, I found that I could follow the storyline clearly and was totally caught up with the action.  The setting was very cleverly done with the early New York skyline clearly defining the geographical location while the New York accents were very well maintained throughout by everyone.  The scenery changes were slick and well planned, enhanced by good lighting blackouts of sections of the stage and three different acting areas. The scenery was very good!

This production was a total triumph for your young people!  The characterisations were excellent, the costumes and props added to the feel of a light-hearted take on gang warfare in New York and the young people acted their parts with confidence and panache. The songs are dances were very well performed, especially the Charleston that progressed into a tap dance – that must have been tricky in those shoes!

Costumes were very good, with lots of trilby hats and suits for the guys.  The music was very good, with a live band playing off-stage, enabling the pauses and tempi to suit the singers and dancers to perfection. Lighting was very good and well cued, as were the sound effects.  The splurge guns were great fun!

This was a lovely production that was clear in its storytelling and very well performed by this very able group of young people.  I hope that many of them stay with you to bring that special something to your adult productions!  Congratulations!

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