Bugsy Malone

Firstly, I must send my sincere apologies to this company for the delay in getting this report to them. They know the reasons why.

“They could have been anything that they wanted to be” …… Well, it is clear that these young people want to be performers! Crash Bang Wallop’s latest offering was the iconic ‘Bugsy Malone’. One of my absolute favourites.

With a group of probably more than 40 on stage whose ages range right upto teenagers, I have never seen such a happier bunch and this was transmitted over the orchestra pit to an equally happy audience. 

With so many on stage at one time and the diversity of ages it must have been a logistical nightmare for the Creative team of Director Dan Brookes, Musical Director Alice Carr – Smith and Choreographer Emma Greenhalgh to coordinate but they did a remarkable job.

There was not one prompt all evening and even the youngest members delivered their lines with purpose and conviction. Added to this there was some fine movement and dancing from the cast and uproarious ‘splurge gun’ sequences. Fortunately for me, even though I was sat on the front row, I didn’t get ‘splurged’ like the last time I saw this production.

The use of all available space to each side of the stage was used to the full. Great set once again that was manoeuvrable with ease to create different scenes. Added to this, there were some great lighting plots and sound did a good job balancing the vocals over the orchestra. The great costumes brought the whole package together. I particularly liked the film sequence which had clearly been well thought out and the final edit was really funny.

With so many on stage it is difficult to include everyone for a special mention because they all did so well. I implore you all to remember that your contribution to the show was as important as the rest to its success. However, some special mentions I feel I must make. In no particular order Amos Lane who played the lead role of Bugsy Malone, Alfie Gibson as Fat Sam, Holly Hilton as Blousey Brown, Toby Davidson as Dandy Dan, Megan McLafferty as Tallulah and Erin Goh who took on the role of Fizzy. Each of these character portrayals were spot on. Not one weak link anywhere in the principal line up. The vocals were particularly good.

Both rival gangs clearly had fun especially in the ‘splurge scene’. I think, even as adults, if we were given splurge guns, we wouldn’t behave haha!

The orchestra, led by conductor Alan Owens, was on point throughout the whole show and were nicely balanced with each other.

All in all, another great production brought by these very talented young people. Well done to you all and as I said to you that night, you should all be immensely proud of yourselves.

See you for the next one!

Dan

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.