Theatre / Theatre Royal Bath
Review: Bugsy Malone, Theatre Royal Bath – ‘Infectious energy and sheer joy’
I have rarely sat in such an excited pre-show audience. And it’s a long time since I have witnessed a whoop of expectant anticipation when the house lights went down. So this show had a lot to live up to from the get go.
Set in prohibition era New York, Bugsy Malone is a story of gangster wars, mob bosses, molls and wannabes – moving between a late night underground club, a boxing gym and the docks.
Old-fashioned weapons are being overtaken by newer, more deadly ones, so Fat Sam Stacetto has to keep his place in the pecking order by stealing Dandy Dan’s arsenal.
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Bugsy falls for Blousey, a singer with a big dream, Leroy is a gentle giant and Fizzy, the floor sweeper at the speakeasy, just wants to be a dancer. This is all familiar territory – except the weapons are pies and whipped cream shooters, and almost the whole cast is under 23.
It’s a logistical headache to mount a touring production anyway, but one with 39 children and young people in the company, with a rotating cast of the main characters, is a huge achievement.
Theatre Royal Bath Productions, Birmingham Rep and Kenny Wax should be proud of what they have collectively pulled off.
There is infectious energy and sheer joy in much of it – with choreography from Drew McOnie which does a great job of storytelling with concise and concentrated wit. The cast are disciplined and talented – clearly drawn from the best theatre training the UK has to offer.
There is a hole in the show, though, where its heart should be. Even Alan Parker didn’t think much of it for years after he wrote and directed the film. Despite the best efforts of the cast, Bugsy Malone is shallow.
There’s no journey, no discovery and no message – it relies on the constant amusement of seeing children doing what adults do. On the surface.
But any lack of emotion in the show itself is more than made up for by the love coming in waves from the audience throughout. Every set piece, every major number and minor triumph gave rise to yelps of appreciation and applause.
I have no doubt that each member of the rotating main cast is good, but on the night I saw it Bugsy stole it with Down and Out. If theatre has a healthy future, which I hope it does, Gabriel Payne will be there.
The final number, an extended curtain call, was a pleasure to behold – this company is having a great time, and they deserve all the congratulations they receive.
Bugsy Malone is at Theatre Royal Bath until July 23. Tickets are available at www.theatreroyal.org.uk.
All photos: Johan Persson
Read more: Review: Murder on the Orient Express, Theatre Royal Bath – ‘Outstanding theatre’
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