If you fancy escaping reality and popping back in time to prohibition New York where a gang of talented young actors (acting as grown-ups) storm the stage as mini-mobsters and showgirls then get your tickets for Bugsy Malone fast! Warning: except splatting splurge guns and custard pies aplenty.
Alan Parker’s 1976 movie – where child actors including Jodie Foster and Scott Baio play all the cast – is recreated on stage with glitz, glamour, sparkle and fizz.
You’ll be singing along with all the Paul Williams songs – including My Name is Tallulah, You Give a Little Love and Fat Sam’s Grand Slam. And you’ll love watching the young performers and stars of tomorrow who take on the seven lead roles (Bugsy, Blousey, Fat Sam, Tallulah, Fizzy, Babyface and Dandy Dan) learn to hone their craft. Aged between just 9 and 15 these young performers do a sterling job and when they sing, they really hold the stage. You’ll need to forgive the odd lapse in American accent, dip in delivery and comic timing from a couple of the cast of course. But it all adds to the charm of the show.
Older cast members, the young adults in the ensemble, help to bring slick calibre to the stage. Especially in the super-charged choreographed numbers like So You Wanna Be a Boxer and Bad Guys.
And the set is superbly atmospheric – from Fat Sam’s multi-coloured speakeasy to the inky New York back alleys. Watch out for the clever car chase scene – kids especially will love the drama and lighting! Costume, too is spot-on. Gangster goons in pinstripe and singing starlets in shimmering sequins and tassels.
The storyline follows the film – rival gang bosses Fat Sam and Dandy Dan vye for power and one-time boxer Bugsy Malone steps in to save the day, avoiding the charms of showgirl Tallullah to be with his true love Blousey.
The final number in the show ‘You Give a Little Love’ and the freeform dance finale had everyone out of their seats clapping and whooping. It makes for a fantastic end to a feel-good family-friendly and fun night out. Join in the fun and get your tickets now.
Bugsy Malone: The Musical is on at the Wales Millennium Centre until 21 Jan, book tickets here
Photos by Pamela Raith