Grab your splurge guns and watch out for those custard pies because Bugsy Malone rolled into Glasgow’s Theatre Royalthis week and it’s one for all the family to enjoy!
Set during the Prohibition era in New York, a time where mobsters, showgirls and dreamers coveted the streets, two rival gangster bosses are at loggerheads. Fat Sam and Dandy Dan are in the thick of tussle as Dan’s gang have gotten their hands on the new-fangled “splurge” gun which could see Fat Sam and his cronies finished for good! Enter here – Bugsy Malone.
An all-round nice guy, with a flair for boxing, he finds himself thrust into the gangster limelight when Fat Sam recruits him after he loses the rest of his gang to Dandy Dan’s mobsters. Bugsy just wants to spend time with Blousey, his new love interest and give her everything but things don’t always go according to plan.
Now working for Fat Sam, will Bugsy ever get to spend time with Blousey and will the get to leave together and head to the coast? Well with Tallulah, an old flame of Bugsy’s, causing trouble and Fat Sam’s antics to protect his business, it isn’t looking too good for our hero.
Portraying our hero in this production is Gabriel Payne as the loveable Bugsy. The young actor suits the part well and has the stage presence of a musical theatre lead. Not a stranger to the stage (having already been in shows such as Les Miserable and Mary Poppins in London’s West End), Payne showcases his talent throughout the production and displays tenderness and affection in his scenes with Blousey. Although not apparent throughout, Payne’s dancing skills are highlighted in the finale, and he displays some rather electrifying moves, to the many cheers of the audience.
Mia Lakha as Blousey brings a warmth and innocence opposite Payne’s Bugsy but don’t let that fool you, she does not accept fools lightly. Balancing the sass with the likability of the character is hard to do but Lakha manages this well throughout the production. Her singing talent is shown through songs “I’m Feeling Fine” and “Ordinary Fool” in which she sings from the heart. Her vocals are captivating and showcased well through these songs.
The stand-out performer must go to Albie Snelson as Fat Sam. This comedic mobster boss doesn’t spend a lot of time off-stage and thank goodness for that! Snelson’s performance is nothing short of brilliance. With comedic timing and stage presence glowing, Snelson was born for the stage. Like watching a veteran at work, you can breathe a sigh of relief when he enters as you know you will be in safe hands. Hissolo scene which involves a scene change was a comedy highlight, with all his gang gone he is forced to do the scene change solo and breaks the fourth wall, providing even more laughs to the pleasure of the audience. His interactions with the ensemble and fellow principles eases the production forward with laughs and applause in abundance, making his portrayal of Fat Sam one to remember.
Aidan Oti as the down-on-his-luck Fizzy is adorable and well-cast. The kindness of the character shines through and is very believable in his attempts to become a dancer. Oti’s soloperformance of “Tomorrow” is heartfelt and brings a tear to the eye, his singing talent is shown, and he manages the song well. The connection he creates with the ensemble and other principles is clear and provides the audience with a lovable and talented character.
Cherry Mitra provides comedic moments with her portrayal of Lena/Babyface. Mitra’s routine as Lena is professional, well-executed and not to mention hilarious. Commanding the stage and giving the audience that cheeky prima-donna charisma that Lena encompasses is well suited to this young actress.
Mitra’s take on babyface in the stand-off between the two gangs provides one of the most memorable scenes in the story and she delivers it well. Being thrust into the fight Mitra gives Babyface her moment to shine, showcasing her combat skills and comedic timing.
As one of the two mobster bosses, Desmond Cole’s Dandy Dan is not as present as Snelson’s Fat Sam, but the young actor portrays the character well. A more reserved and respected individual Cole provides a subtlety to the role.
Mohamed Bangura brings warmth and humour to the role of Leroy. Although only introduced in Act 2, Bangura supplies the audience with many laughs and polished choreography during the mugging scene and inside Sluggers Gym. As Bugsy’s new business venture, Leroy is a harmless giant who can defend himself and Bangura creates a close relationship with Payne’s Bugsy that is not only believable but is needed in the production.
The ensemble brings the energy, laughter and calamity that Bugsy Malone encompasses. The vitality to numbers “Bad Guys” and “So You Wanna Be a Boxer” are stand-out numbers and Drew Mconie’s choreography, although slightly predictable, is performed exceptionality well. The rest of the company is made up of Alicia Ally (Onstage Swing/First Cover/Lena/Babyface), Esme Bacalla-Hayes (Offstage Swing/Assistant Dance Captain), Mohamed Bangura (Leroy), Alicia Belgarde (Offstage Swing/First Cover Tallulah), Marcus Billany (Ensemble/First Cover Bugsy), Kalifa Burton (Ensemble/First Cover Leroy/Assistant Fight Captain), Alisha Capon (Ensemble), Jessica Daugirda (Ensemble), Ru Fisher (Offstage Swing/First Cover Dandy Dan) who at this performance played the role of The Boxing Coach, Rory Fraser (Ensemble), Will Lucas (Offstage Swing/Dance Captain), Andilé Mabhena (Ensemble/First Cover Fizzy/Fight Captain), Luke Mills (Ensemble/First Cover Fat Sam), Luchina Moss (Ensemble), Georgia Pemberton (Ensemble), D’mia Lindsay-Walker (Ensemble) and Lucy Young (Ensemble).
The show’s creative team deserve high praise as this production has it all. Sean Holmes (Director) has brought the chaos and humour that Bugsy Malone represents and has created a professional musical showcase. Scenes such as the car chase with Fat Sam and Bugsy against Dandy Dan’s mobsters is one to watch out for. The crafting of the scene and the staging (Sean Holmes), lighting (Philip Gladwell) andchoreography (Drew Mconie) really make it an eye-catching moment. Also, worth noting is the mugging scene which includes clever fight choreography by Kate Waters and inside the Slugger’s Gym boxing chorography which again is executed outstandingly by the ensemble.
Special mention to Connagh Tonkinson (Musical Director) whose musical direction brought us all back to the 1920’s with roaring triumph.
Bugsy Malone is a family friendly night out at the theatre. One for all ages, it’s full of fun, laughter and many custard pies! Not my typical choice of musical but one I do not regret seeing. If you’re looking for an enjoyable escape, then this is one for you. Running at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal from Tuesday 6th to Sunday 11th September 2022.
Get your tickets here:
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/bugsy-malone/theatre-royal-glasgow/
Theatre Scotland 
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