Bugsy Malone

Who has managed to get to the age of … well that’s not important … and not seen Bugsy Malone! That would be me! I was feeling slightly embarrassed telling this story to the lovely team at Harlequin as we enjoyed meeting with the production team and committee and discussing how many times as a club, they have performed the show and, in some cases, have been in it and been on the production team now and before! So, I was very excited to see a new show … for me, and Harlequin did not disappoint to make my maiden visit into the life of Bugsy Maone a wonderful one.

I loved how vibrant and imaginative this show was as it transported the audience to Prohibition-era New York City, where gangsters and jazz collide in a humorous and energetic tale … full of splurge guns … which I loved seeing almost as much as you could tell the cast loved using them. This production featured a bright set that captured the lively atmosphere of the 1920s especially in main scenery of Fat Sam’s speakeasy. The light up sign at the back was fab. It was complemented by a cast of principal characters and ensemble who drove the story forward. The title role of Bugsy Malone was played by Thomas McIntyre who captured the charming and daring gangster brilliantly with strong stage presence and charisma. His love interest Blousey Brown, a sweet and ambitious young singer and dancer who dreams of making it big in show business was perfectly played by Lulu Bryce. Lulu balanced a kind-hearted and feisty character well with lovely vocals in her two central songs. More comedy was brought into the story with Matthew Penman’s Fat Sam. The tough yet witty mob boss who runs the local speakeasy seemed to relish every scene and commanded the stage well. Full of attitude and fierceness was Rose Costello’s portrayal of Tallulah. Rose gave us a stylish and sharp-tongued gangster girl, with a cool nature and a beautiful voice. Dandy Dan (Angus Duncan) showcased a ruthless and ambitious gangster embodying the classic villain of the show, but in a playful way. Completing the principal characters was Grace Richmond as Fizzy, who was a sweet and colourful worker at Fat Sam’s and added humorous touches to the gang's antics.

The full ensemble of young performers brought energy and joy to all the scenes, enhancing the show's lively spirit. The musical numbers were very well staged, moved and sung showcasing the memorable songs from the show. Vocal stand outs for me from the cast and Musical Director David were the opening number "Bugsy Malone", which was lead fantastically by Thomas and introduced the characters so well to set the scene for a first timer like me. "My Name is Tallulah" sung by Rose which showcased her confident and sassy personality. "Tomorrow" which was a lovely hopeful and uplifting song sung by Lulu and the finale number “You Give A Little Love” which was full of energy, fun and a punchy way to end a fabulous show. The choreography was visually engaging, playful and featured good comedy movements … the gangsters leaping off the stage after another “splurge massacre” was a lovely touch. It also always delights me in a Harlequin show that such a large cast can execute the bigger dance numbers so well, which is a credit to choreographer Kirsty and the production team. Kirsty’s direction was a seamless blend of humour and joy as the young cast used exaggerated traits typical of comic gangster films but with a playful and innocent twist. The entire cast of young performers contributed to a lively, humorous, and polished production of Bugsy Malone, who I am sure know that with the support they receive at Harlequin can be anything that they want to be in the future.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.