By Michelle Rawlins
Bugsy Malone might be nearly 50-years-old, but this revamped kid-friendly mobster production hasn’t lost its charm and is as entertaining as ever.
As the show got underway at The Lyceum in Sheffield, there were custard pies and splurge guns a plenty, and just the right mix of American twang and fast paced dance scenes to keep the audience in raptures of laughter one minute and in awe of the talent of the young cast the next.
It’s based on Alan Parker’s hit 1976 film, which tells the sugar-coated story of gangsters and showgirls in New York. Back then, it was acted entirely by children, to be enjoyed by children.
After creating stories for his children on car journeys to Derbyshire, what started as a figment of Parker’s creative imagination developed into a tale of two rival gangs, Fat Sam’s crew and Dandy Dan, who are vying for the top spot on the back streets of New York. Thrown into the mix is wannabe city slicker, Bugsy, who is doing everything he can to win the heart of a newbie dancer, who has just landed in the city, full of hopes and dreams.
The young actors, who are on rotation, were, overall, a delight but their tender years and experience also meant there were several moments when it felt a little amateur and could be, sadly, slightly irritating. Occasionally their New York dialect felt a little rushed, losing the edge which you come to expect from a professional performance. However, given some were as young as nine, and the oldest only 15, this can definitely be forgiven. The Bugsy I had the pleasure of watching was Gabriel Payne, who already has an impressive back catalogue of West End appearances, including roles in Les Miserables, Mary Poppins and Kinky Boots. In his slick suit and Fedora, he was every part the dapper, and rather loveable, charmer.
Special mention must go to his love interest, Blousy, performed by Mia Lakha, who came into her own in her solo pieces, wowing the theatre with her beautiful and impressive voice.
The seven lead actors are supported by a sterling ensemble, who have all the additional razzmatazz and punch to pull off the strong chorus lines and perfectly choreographed dance routines, which definitely added the umph this traditionally loved spoof mafia show needed.
The second half picked up pace, with a particular stand out moment, when the cast came together for a high impact ‘Wanna Be A Boxer’. This may not have been the highlight moment in Parker’s film, but was definitely a real extravaganza for the stage thanks to the fast paced dance routine and catchy sing along lyrics.
Another standout moment was the car scene, accompanied by cleverly used strobe lighting, where the actors appeared to disappear and reappear on stage, in a race against time, in a myriad of effective positions.
The set switched between Fat Sam’s classic speakeasy, with tables that looked like showgirl’s skirts descending from the heavens, to a boxing ring, where the choreography comes into its own, and a sinister looking dock, where more mock gangland killings take place.
And to top it off, the show came to a magnificent finale, ending in style with an energetic dance-off, ensuring the delighted audience were on their feet, clapping and cheering, until the final lights came on.
So, despite the odd grumble in relation to the capability of such a young cast being able to pull off a big show, I heard plenty of friends rave about it, so it’s receiving a fair amount of enthusiastic praise.
As I’ve said, there is much to love about this fun, family production, so if you fancy a night out with the kids, or grandkids, the chances are you will come away smiling.
Tickets here
On tour until February 2023
Photos by Johan Persson