AD-Gifted
Bugsy Malone has entered Manchester with a bang. Literally. Buy tickets here.
Brandishing toy guns that take out more cast members than I can count and cream pies that mimic bullets, you probably think I’m going a little mad.
Well, Bugsy Malone is a spoof gangster musical set in the 1920s so that should explain the slapstick violence. I’m not done yet, oh no.
The other unusual thing about this show? It’s led by children playing the parts of unhinged mob bosses, wacky sidekicks and dreamer show girls.
Don’t forget to read my review of The Lion King in Manchester
A cast that dazzles
Fat Sam, famous mob boss and speakeasy owner, is the big fish in New York who goes head-to-head with his rival, Dandy Dan. But soon finds himself on the back foot as Dandy gets his hands on the ultimate weapon. A splurge gun.
Suddenly, Fat Sam and his idiotic motley crew scramble to survive until Bugsy Malone enters the picture. Can this former boxer and nice guy help with the battle of power? Or will he escape the criminal life with his new flame, Blousey Brown?
The story relies heavily on the child actors to move it along and they do with energy, charm and humour. Especially Albie Snelson whose confidence and characterisation as Fat Sam is remarkable. He’s got one hell of a career ahead of him.
The ensemble, and adults of the cast, shine bright and dazzle as they take on countless characters. They are obviously levelled up in comparison to the minors on stage and were crucial in keeping the high quality of this production.
Stand out moments
There’s some real stand out moments in this musical and four come to mind straight away.
Like when Dandy Dan’s gang ambush Fat Sam’s crew and suddenly the stage get the better of them. So they joyously jazz hands through the ragtime classic ‘Bad Guys’ in their ties, trouser suspenders and trilby hats.
‘So You Wanna Be a Boxer’ was a real showstopper embodying the gym with sparring, skipping and skilful rope manoeuvring. The playful and gymnastic choreography was superb. A real knock out.
The car chase scene was particularly imaginative with strobing lights and well-timed comedic reactions.
And the finale was an absolute banger. By that, I mean not only was there a massive shoot up, but there was an epic dance out to a banging dance track. The crowd were on their feet and raving like it was 1925. Such a celebratory way to end this funhouse of a musical.
Bugsy Malone is the bee’s knees. If you’re up for a bit of fun and a lot of laughs then this gangsta gig is for you.
Playing at Opera House in Manchester until Saturday 12 November 2022.
Image credits: Pamela-Raith-Photography