Bugsy Malone

Its 1929, and a background of gangster warfare in New York. Dandy Dan's hoodlums terrorise the district, exterminating undesirables with their new weapon splurge guns. His rival is Fat Sam, who runs the local Speakeasy, but Fat Sam's gang still use old fashioned pies. Fat Sam engages the help of Bugsy Malone, a smooth city slicker who hitherto has been more occupied in sweet talking Blousey,  a would-be girl singer. Fat Sam learns later that Dandy Dan's mob have splurged nearly all his gang. There's only one hope left. Fat Sam pays Bugsy in exchange for more help. Eventually the police arrive, led by Captain Smolsky and Lieutenant O'Dreary. Bugsy and the gang escape. Finally, Dandy Dan prepares for a showdown at Fat Sam's speakeasy. When his mob burst in, Bugsy and the guys let 'em have it; Splurge, custard pies, ... and out of the gooey pandemonium it emerges that Bugsy and Blousey have made it up. Peace has broken out at last.

On entering the auditorium, either side of the stage was dressed with front page headlines from ‘The New York Bugle’, claiming that Fat Sam is a ‘crime boss on the rise’ and Splurge is the new weapon! It’s not long before we witness this in action! Three singers (Shannon Drew, Alice Beasley and Lyla Broomfield) lead the girls in introducing Bugsy Malone, well played by Myles Richards in his first leading role, demonstrating bags of potential with his portrayal of being neither completely honest or crooked. Bugsy has an eye for a singer ‘Blousey’, nicely played by Imogen Maybury with a good presence and voice to match.

The scene at Fat Sam’s Speakeasy was backed by a very good-looking set including a small band which, led by Russell Painter provided some good accompaniment. Fat Sam himself, was played by Harrison Bianco with a great accent and he spoke out well and Dandy Dan played by Logan Vosper also had good stage presence. Just about everyone who wants to audition for Sam is told to ‘come back tomorrow’. Fizzy, the janitor played by Larna Richards, sings about her ever-elusive chance of auditioning for Sam and I enjoyed her number ‘Tomorrow’ and her overall performance.

As I have mentioned of previous productions, KODYS have an impressive number of lads involved and this was clearly evident in their well-choreographed number ‘Bad Guys’.  Also impressive was Roxie Jordan as Tallulah, whose presence sparkled and her number with the girls in the opening of Act 2 was particularly good (‘My Name is Tallulah’). This and other numbers involving the full company were well choreographed.  Chris Kemp and Darcy Hill made a confident contribution as Captain Smolsky and O’Dreary respectively and other good support was provided by Lilly Hickman (Louella), Jamie Whitehouse (Leroy), Molly Strong (Radio Announcer) Toby Denton (Cagey Joe) and Leo Hyde as Knuckles.

As well as Fat Sam’s Speakeasy, other scenes with scenery moved on trucks, were very well built and impressively painted and the costumes were good looking too. The lighting was effective and the sound was overall good, although I prefer music to be reduced to the minimum possible when backing the youngster’s dialogue.  There were a few first night hesitations, which I am sure would be eliminated and debut director Danielle Hickey and the production team are to be congratulated on this production received with enthusiasm from an opening night full house.

 

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