Bugsy Malone

‘Bugsy’ as it is known has firmly established itself as a stage favourite for many youth societies and schools and has proved itself as a brilliant vehicle for aspiring young performers to perform in front of an audience. This was a production of fun and vitality that was obviously enjoyed by cast and audience alike.

Set in downtown New York in the 1920’’s this is a tale of warfare between two rival gangs and from the very first note, from a well-balanced orchestra, there was a feeling of being transported back to an era when culture and behaviour were very different from that of today. This stage re-creation of the celebrated 1975 Alan Parker film, in which kids perform a musical spoof of the gangster movies of Hollywood, grabbed attention from the opening scene.

Oli Cowlishaw in his portrayal of ‘Bugsy Malone’ gave an excellent performance bouncing around the stage sounding and looking true to the characteristics of the role with accent and attitude. His sweetheart ‘Blousey Brown’ was portrayed by Olivia Wormald in classy style in her stage presence and her song “Ordinary Fool” was lovely.

As the concerned gang boss ‘Fat Sam Stacetto’  Kieran Blunt gave a strong performance, together with his seemingly incompetent mobsters ( ‘Knuckles’ Caroline Moran, ‘Louis’ Jack Brown, ‘Ritzy’ Beth Smith and ‘Snake Eyes’  Mollie Little. Great comedy and humour was abound as we enjoyed the antics of rival gang leader ‘Dandy Dan’, played by Josh New, as a force to be reckoned with, along with his men ‘Bronx Charlie’ Ciara Heffernan, ‘Benny Lee’ Emily Jeffrey and ‘Doodle’ Jade Moseley. In the role of ‘Fizzy’ Katie Lawson gave a wonderful performance of “Tomorrow” and as ‘Tallulah’ Charlotte Hesk was confident and strong. “My Name is Tallulah was wonderful.

Regrettably it is not possible to give a mention to everyone in this fine production. A production where each individual played their roles in character of real quality swiftly moving across the stage, rolling and falling brilliantly when the splurge gun hit on each occasion. The set and props were effective and changes executed well. Costumes provided the air of authenticity required.

Worthy of special praise is the performance from a highly disciplined and accomplished ensemble who gave superb support to the principals. Musical numbers were uniformly strong and very well-choreographed, full of life and energy singing and dancing their way through the show. “Fat Sam’s Grand Slam” was fast and furious and the slick precision dance routine for the finale left the audience with a real feel good factor after enjoying a great show.

Productions of this quality give amateur theatre enormous encouragement for the future and congratulations to all involved in this production by Norbury Youth Theatre.

Ian G Cox Regional Representative - Worcestershire East (District 12)

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