Alexandra Palace Theatre, London – until 15 January 2023, continues on UK tour until 19 February 2023
Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith
4****
Sean Holmes’ production of Bugsy Malone could not have come at a better time. Based on Alan Parker’s 1976 film of the same name, Bugsy Malone follows two sets of mini gangsters armed with attitude, ridiculous names, and splurge guns. Set in the dingy streets of prohibition era New York, singer Blousie Brown is trying to make it big and finds herself at the colourful Fat Sam’s speakeasy where she meets one time boxer and ‘nice guy’ Bugsy Malone. There are car chases, glittery dance numbers, and custard pies. What more could you want?
The iconic music and lyrics by Paul Williams are so familiar to all of the grown-ups in the audience that you can feel everyone trying not to sing along, instead quietly whispering “I love this song” and tapping their feet. The lead cast of 9-15 year olds is exceptional, supported by a fantastic older ensemble known as the “overs” that lead the showstopper dance numbers and provide some excellent moments of physical comedy. There are three different casts of “unders” (kids) in rotation on the tour, and we saw Team Doodles. Albie Snelson as Fat Sam is energetic and hilarious, and had real stage presence. Mia Lakha and Jasmine Sakyiama as Blousey and Tallulah respectively were perfect in their roles, belting out the classics, and Gabriel Payne as Bugsy really came into his own in the second half, in particular the car chase and the last number. We were really impressed with the entire cast.
The design of the production by Jon Bausor was beautiful and effortless in bringing together the grown up elements of the city with the playfulness of the kids. It was the perfect platform for Drew McOnie’s spectacular choreography. The best numbers in my opinion are the big ones where the cast are being flung about, utilising every part of the stage. My favourites were Fat Sam’s Grand Slam, Bad Guys, So You Wanna Be A Boxer, and Down and Out.
From the opening number right through to the curtain call, you couldn’t help but smile, clap, and whoop even when there were some fleeting technical difficulties. The energy and joy is completely contagious, and just what everyone needs at the end of 2022