Photo Courtesy of ATG Tickets
You’ve probably heard of the classic 1976 musical, which brought fame to many young actors; such as Jodie Foster and Scott Baio- but director Sean Holmes brings a whole new perspective to watching this hilariously unusual gangster spoof by bringing it to the stage, with its current home being in Theatre Royal Plymouth.
The slapstick comedy musical takes place in classic 1920’s New York, following the ongoing rivalries of the two street gangs, run by Fat Sam and Dandy Dan who are countlessly trying to outwit one another. But there’s one thing that makes this narrative stand out against all others; due to the fact that every main character is played by a child, with the ensemble being almost entirely young adults. Imagine a classic rivalry of gangsters, but replace the weapons with splurge guns which shoot whipped cream; and where characters die by quite literally being ‘pied off’. It’s definitely a unique show filled with some seriously fun chaos.
Titular Bugsy Malone, is a one-time boxer who you’re not quite certain to trust. Neither completely sincere or dishonourable, he winds up working for gangster boss Fat Sam as his driver, being paid in large cash sums; whilst also chatting up the newest girl in town, Blousey Brown. Seems he has it all, but there’s crime around every corner; which makes the story that much more exciting, even to the point where I noticed audience members sitting on the edge of their seats watching the cast in awe.
Gabriel Payne made a phenomenal Bugsy, complete with a quintessential New York accent that stuck throughout the entire production. His mannerisms matched those of a man with life experience behind him; not only from the way he acted within the gangs, but also the compassion he shows to Blousey throughout their romance. Never too far away from Payne was Mia Lakha as Blousey Brown. Lakha’s vocals were undeniably the strongest within the cast, belting out iconic ballads such as ‘Ordinary Fool’ and ‘I’m Feeling Fine’, asserting her place in the performative industry whilst dreaming of a life in Hollywood.
Despite Bugsy and Blousey being the two most famous roles, I would also like to mention just how remarkable Albie Snelson was as Fat Sam. Snelson made the audience laugh out loud on several occasions and really assisted with the comedic nature of the show. Whether breaking the fourth wall by telling the band to stop playing and by arranging a scene change himself, or even telling his right-hand man Knuckles to stop cracking his knuckles (with the ongoing joke that he can’t, because this is how he got his name), there was always an undeniable smile on your face when Fat Sam was on stage, making him one of the best performers of the night.
As a collective ensemble, the cast were truly spectacular, with my personal highlights being the musical numbers of ‘So You Wanna Be a Boxer’ and ‘Bad Guys’.
Lighting and set design, by Phillip Gladwell and Jon Bausor respectively was remarkable, with the set mainly revolving around a static black set of stairs with two doorways, leading into several locations depending on the scene, whether this be: a back alley, Sluggers gym, or the girls’ dressing rooms in Fat Sam’s. With seamless set changes and quick cuts between scenes, the audience were always kept in anticipation of where the story would turn next.
Gladwell’s lighting design was a key aspect within the production, with the use of stylish Hollywood bulbs, decorating the stage in luminous yellow warmth and shining down on each and every one of the cast members. This classic style of lighting the stage allowed for an additional form of storytelling; matching up in harmonious nature of Blousey’s dreams of being a famous Hollywood singer. Another key aspect of the lighting design was the use of strobe lighting-used effectively during a dramatic chase scene where Bugsy was helping drive Fat Sam away from a gang of Dandy Dan’s henchman who were ambushing the vehicle. Through the use of strobes, Gladwell created an undeniable tension, flashing through the seconds of drama unfolding before the audience’s eyes.
Bugsy Malone truly isn’t a show to be missed. From how set and lighting come together to create a 1920’s Hollywood aesthetic, paired with countless comedic remarks from the cast, it’s a show that anyone of any age will enjoy. It’s a truly unique performance, featuring a cast of incredibly talented young actors, with so many theatrical aspects that set it apart from its original film counterpart. The narrative is fast paced, often ridiculous but witty, whilst also its having heart-warming moments. There’s no doubt you’ll have the soundtrack in your head after watching, whether having seen the original or not.