Bugsy Malone At Chichester Festival Theatre Review

Reviewed by Kelly Victoria

It was with much excitement that we went to watch Bugsy Malone at their opening night at Chichester Festival Theatre. We arrived at the theatre and as always it’s such a welcoming venue. I always feel the it’s is a really special place and such an asset to the local area.

We took to our seats and as always the unique stage at Chichester really makes you feel totally immersed from the minute you walk in. The stage was set and we felt like we were sat right there at Fat Sam’s. Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties the show start around fifteen minutes later than planned. However, the staff at the theatre kept us well informed and the show started promptly once the issues had been resolved.

The opening number set in Fat Sam’s Speak Easy was a showstopper. This set the tone for what was going to be an amazing show ahead with incredible costumes, talent and familiar tunes you’ll be humming for days a plenty.

The show is a spoof of gangster life set in the prohibition era, tied up with the love story of Bugsy Malone (Gabriel Payne) and Blousey (Mia Lakha). There’s no use of guns by these gangsters though, instead they battle with infamous splurge guns.

As in the movie, the main cast are played entirely by children who tell the story with perfection. The young cast were talented, witty and committed to their characters through the whole show. They were supported by an adult ensemble who were also incredible. You could tell that they had been cast cleverly to appear as youngsters themselves and I was easily convinced that they were.

The costumes designed by Jon Bausor was fantastic and perfectly representative of the era. The female costumes were particularly dazzling and were a real treat on the eyes.

Stand out numbers for me were the opening of the second half with Tallulah played by Jasmine Sakyiama singing “My Name Is Tallulah” supported by some of the female ensemble. The performance was mesmerising and Jasmine commanded the stage whilst she sang beautifully. The dancers were supported by an excellent piece of drop down light up frames and the whole scene was a delight.

My favourite number had to be “So You Wanna Be a Boxer”. The number filled the stage with incredible and creative choreography by Drew McOnie. The energy on stage was electric.

However, the absolute triumph of the night for me was young actor Albie Snelson who played Fat Sam. He was an absolute delight to watch with perfect comic timing, an unbelievable accent and commitment to character which has to be commended. I’ve a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of Albie for years to come.

The show finished with a lovely remix which had the audience clapping along and some people even standing in their seats dancing.

The show is a real feel good show which adults and children alike will enjoy. Bugsy Malone will be playing at Chichester Festival Theatre from 15th to 19th February and would make a perfect half term treat.

Tickets cost from £10.00

For more information or to book tickets please visit Bugsy Malone | Chichester Festival Theatre (cft.org.uk)  or phone the box office on 01243 781312

Rating: 4/5