Bugsy Malone

Over 50 youngsters, ranging from age 8-16 years, took to the stage in this tongue-in-cheek tribute to the 1920’s gangster films and by golly did they have a ball. Coping really well with technical difficulties in the lighting in Act One, the cast threw themselves into the action – the messier things got with custard pies and splurge guns the more enthusiastic they got! Fergus Hughes, in the lead role of Bugsy, carried off the part very well. Emily Brown as his love interest, wannabe night club singer Blousey, had a good singing voice and stage presence. Eve Learmonth and Aaron Rattray, as rival gang-leaders Dandy Dan and Fat Sam respectively, handled their roles well adding greatly to the comedy in the piece. Emily Keith was striking as sultry nightclub headliner, and Fat Sam’s girlfriend, Tallulah. Strong support was given by Robert Kennedy (Fizzy), Dillon Third (Cagey Joe/Lena), Jan Cudak (Knuckles), Jago Love-Jennings (Captain Smolsky) and Rachael Lawson (his side-kick O’Dreary). Singing and movement by the large cast in the company numbers such as “Bad Guys” and the “You Give a Little Love” was well executed. Good use was made of the multi-level set and costuming was appropriate to the 1920’s period. Well done Haddo Childrens Theatre for an enjoyable afternoon’s entertainment.

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