Bugsy Malone

Following on from their production of ‘Frozen Jr’ earlier this year, Congleton Amateur Youth Theatre were back with their production of ‘Bugsy Malone’. This production marks the last CAYT production directed by Will Vickers (for a little while anyway!) Upon entering the auditorium, the audience were met with a static set on two levels, with the band on the higher level. A Fat Sam’s Grand Slam sign was lit up during scenes that took place there, helping distinguish location. Other pieces of furniture were brought on, such as a desk for Fat Sam’s office. The opening with Roxy Robinson walking through the auditorium to the stage to be met by Dandy Dan’s gang was a strong idea, and the cast would enter and exit through the auditorium on a number of occasions throughout which all worked well. Will amped the comedy up with some of his directorial choices, including the dead bodies getting swept off stage, and the car chase was cleverly staged and added to the humour of the production. The curtain call was a nice extension to the piece, with Fat Sam auditioning the cast as they took their bows. The pace of the production was good, with scenes flowing well. Costumes were very good and reminiscent of the era, with pinstripe suits and flapper dresses.

Taking on the role of musical director for this production was Alex Williams. Alex led the live band very well, and his hard work was clear, despite joining the production team later in the process. The cast were confident with their numbers, and performed them very well.

As well as directing, Will Vickers choreographed the production as well, along with April Cook, who choreographed ‘Tomorrow’. The choreography was fun and reminiscent of the 1920s. The choreography in Fat Sam’s Grand Slam was performed well, there was an injection of comedy in choreography for ‘Bad Guys’, and the routine that accompanied ‘Tomorrow’ was well performed and added to Fizzy’s vocals.

Technical elements were good throughout. The sound balance was generally good, perhaps the cast microphones could have been turned up a little bit, as there were some moments where the band’s volume was quite loud. The lighting design was good throughout.

The title role was played by Harry Gill. This was a strong performance from Harry, who sustained the accent throughout. It was a confident performance as he addressed the audience, telling his story, as well as taking part in the action. Harry was at total ease in the role, able to deliver both the comedy and dramatic moments very well.

Charlie House was able to display some great comedy as Fat Sam. With prat falls aplenty, the audience certainly enjoyed Charlie’s performance. Charlie has a great presence on stage, and brought out the best in the performers who he was in scenes with.

Maddie Holford gave a good performance as Blousey Brown, Bugsy’s main love interest. There was a good relationship formed with Harry’s Bugsy, and the audience were rooting for Blousey and Bugsy throughout. Her vocals suited the character well.

April Cook grew in confidence as Tallulah, delivering a solid performance. Her performance of ‘My Name is Tallulah’ was performed well, as she settled into the number. It would have been nice to see a bit more of a flirtatious character, especially in her interactions with Bugsy.

Taylor Dakin struck an imposing figure as Fat Sam’s rival gang leader, Dandy Dan. This was a good performance, as Taylor made Dandy Dan the complete opposite of Fat Sam.

James Mills (Knuckles), Oscar House (Louis), Arthur Wegbury (Snake Eyes) and Charlie Gill (Ritzy) worked well together as Fat Sam’s gang. Oscar, Arthur and Charlie were suitably cheeky during their number, ‘Bad Guys’, which they performed very well. The staging for this number was great, with a number of comic moments choreographed into it.

Ashton Elms (Cagey Joe) and Mason Royall (Leroy) did well with their portrayals. ‘So You Wanna Be a Boxer’ was performed well by them both, and this was another number that was staged well, with the choreography replicating the movements of a boxer.

Riley Simmons and Joey Turner worked well as the hapless Captain Smolsky and O’Dreary. They understood their comedic roles and delivered the jokes well.

Ronnie Sharpe-Woodcock did well as the aspiring performer, Fizzy. Her vocals during ‘Tomorrow’ were very good, and she delivered the song well. This was a very good performance from Ronnie.

The ensemble of young performers did well throughout, playing named characters, as well as adding to the scenes as patrons of Fat Sam’s Grand Slam. Some highlights from the ensemble include Dandy Dan’s gang, who were totally in character throughout their appearances. Arthur Belfield’s Reporter was a great cameo role, providing some great comedy.

Overall, this was a good production. The direction was fun, the staging was great, and there were some great performances.

A big thank you to everyone at Congleton Amateur Youth Theatre for their kind invite and their hospitality.

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