Bugsy Malone

Mellow Dramatics – Youth Section             Bugsy Malone                        January 2016

Based on the 1976 film featuring only child actors this stage musical is perfect for youth societies to take on. This was the first time visiting the youth section of The Mellow Dramatics and I was impressed by the talent and enthusiasm of the young cast.

The show itself does not run very smoothly, scenes end abruptly and switch often between different times, places and characters. Therefore a simple set is needed. For this production the set created the right atmosphere for the show and allowed for slick scene changes. Costumes were appropriate for the era and the youngsters obviously relished taking on the different characters.

The singing was confident and impressive from both principals and ensemble and the choreography was  executed well and added interest to the numbers.

Owen Wardle, playing Bugsy engaged well with the audience from the start and was a very likeable character. Blousey Brown (Hannah Smith) sang beautifully and I just wish someone would re write the part of Blousey so that she doesn't have to be so sullen all the time! Fat Sam (Dann Robb) and Dandy Dan (Calum Launchbury) worked hard on their characterisation and created two very different characters. Tallulah ( Olivia Matlock) played the typical gangsters broad with great confidence and 'My name is Tallulah' was a highlight of the second act. Joe Beckwith, playing Fizzy, was adorable and all of us  just wanted him to finally get his big break. The ensemble don't get huge amounts to do in this show but what they did do was done well. The splurge fight at the end really brought out the 'relaxed' side of all on stage and that relaxed happiness would have been great if created in all the other numbers. Maybe using more cream pies in the face and then trying to sing with it dripping on the floor would be a good rehearsal technique!?

The audience were very appreciative of all the hard work that had gone in to this show and I must congratulate all involved in the performance. A great afternoons entertainment.

Rachel Millar

NODA Representative

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