Bugsy Malone: The Reviews Are In!

With our S3 production of Bugsy Malone in full swing, our P6 Explore Literacy group and S4 Journalist, Oscar donned their GWC Theatre Critic hats in order to review the iconic splurge gun hit musical which plays until tomorrow in our Senior School Assembly Hall.

‘Everybody Wants That Man…Bugsy Malone’

A review by our P6 Explore Literacy group

This is the best play in town, Bugsy Malone!

The S3 performance is sure to impress to their sell out audiences!

Written by Alan Parker with words and music by Paul Williams, Busgy Malone is recruited by Fat Sam who’s in trouble with his gang. Bugsy meets the shy Blousey Brown and falls in love. However, he is sent to ambush Dandy Dan’s gang using splurge guns but that’s all we are going to say! 

Let's begin with the staging and costume design. Thank you to the crews for transforming an ordinary school hall and bringing it to life as New York City, 1929. Before the show even started we were transported back almost 100 years. Every space in the hall was used to great effect with excellent lighting and cool scenery. The stage lights certainly added a 'wow' factor to the whole performance! 

We were immersed in the band’s melodies and energetic rhythms. Led by Mrs McNeill and Mr Lang, we were soon tapping our feet and singing along. To experience the feel of live music and to see the instruments being played in front of us was fantastic. 

Bugsy and Fat Sam played their roles with great skill - we began to believe they were real people! The dancers dazzled in their feathery, fancy, sparkly outfits with their steps beautifully coordinated and full of energy.

‘Fat Sam’s Grand Slam’ was our highlight song and we loved it when Fat Sam’s gang came racing in and shot shaving cream from their splurge guns!

It is unsurprising that Bugsy Malone is now sold out! If you did manage to buy a ticket, we know you are in for a treat!

Directed by our very own Mr Chivers, this is a Five Star show.

‘You Give a Little Love’ at GWC

A review by Oscar (S4)

Alan Parker's gangster musical comedy, Bugsy Malone tells the story of the show’s protagonist, a well-rounded chap in New York City during the prohibition era. Bugsy gets caught up amidst a gang war between two infamous underground leaders, Dandy Dan and Fat Sam. Dandy Dan is not only a cruel and cunning leader but the owner of the dreaded splurge gun, while his ultimate rival, Fat Sam, is a bold and confident opponent. Throughout the production, Bugsy not only has to handle a gang war but also his unravelling love life which sees him torn between Blousey Brown, a singer at Fat Sam’s Speakeasy and Talluah, the show’s sassy songstress. 

As the house lights dim, the audience are immediately welcomed into Bugsy’s world by the use of minimalist but effective staging which was creatively utilised in all scenes without disrupting the fluency of the musical. Scene changes were smooth and unobtrusive, carried out by crew members who moved inconspicuously around the set, ensuring the production flowed seamlessly from the first  to the last splurge gun shot!

The production, across the board, was perfectly cast. Principals were well rehearsed and exuded confidence in their delivery of dialogue and song. The ensemble showed the same commitment in their respective roles, working in harmony with the principal cast to perform some truly scene-stealing moments. Numbers such as ‘Fat Sam’s Grand Slam’ and ‘Give A Little Love’ allowed the whole company to come together to showcase the talent within the S3 year group. 

The adept orchestra introduced the show, bringing scenes to life as they performed Paul Williams’ 1920s inspired score. From ‘Tallulah’ to ‘Bad Guys’, each number allowed players to exhibit their individual skill and expertise. The use of live music was not, in any way, overpowering and served to compliment the actors - allowing their voices to be heard and remain powerful. They kept in time with each other throughout the scenes, helping to convey each characters’ development. 

The combination of actors, orchestra and crew created the perfect recipe for that delicate balance of humour, music and splurge gun action that audiences have adored for years in Bugsy Malone.

Extraordinary kudos must go to all who were involved in our S3s’ 2024 production - from the drama and music staff to the cast, crew and orchestra -  your dedication and spirited attitude made for an impeccable production. It was my first time seeing Bugsy Malone live and it has, without a doubt, set the bar very high for future productions to come.

Please note, tickets for Bugsy Malone are now SOLD OUT!