Bugsy Malone The Musical At Theatre Royal, Plymouth Review

Reviewed by Helen Wyatt

Last night we were very lucky to be offered the opportunity to review a production of Bugsy Malone the Musical at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. For the uninitiated, Bugsy Malone started life as a movie in 1976, with the story being created by Alan Parker as something he wanted his kids to enjoy, about gangsters and show girls in New York, and most amazingly was entirely acted by kids! Paul Williams, a popular singer songwriter, came on board to write the music. In the movie, the songs were all sung by adults and the kids would lip sync, but an absolute classic was born. The story is essentially a fun spoof of old style gangster movies from the prohibition era in New York but the twist is that instead of bullets, the weapons are splurge guns and custard pies!

We weren’t sure whether the stage show of the musical would be highlights of all the classic songs or something else, but it became apparent from the outset that this was the full musical which was an absolute treat. The theatre was packed and there was a buzz as the lights went down and the live orchestra in the pit struck up their notes. The whole cast was true to the principles of the movie, with every part being played by a child, from the very young up to teenagers!

The cast were very professional, despite their age, and not one step or word was out of place. They were clearly very well rehearsed and worked brilliantly together as a cast with the dance numbers being perfectly choreographed and the singers note perfect in the main, along with brilliant comedic timing from all, producing many laughs. All cast members exuded confidence, but there were some stand out performances for us from Gabriel Payne as Bugsy, Avive Savannah Williams as Blousey and Albie Snelson as Fat Sam. The ensemble members, particularly the “hoodlums” are too many to mention by name but they were all amazing, with acting, singing and dancing skills en pointe.

The clever staging allowed easy transition between the different scenes, with minimal but key props to transport you to prohibition era New York, and the club scene. All the classic songs were there and the cast did them justice! The audience were on their feet at the end, dancing and clapping along too. It was an amazing show, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loved the movie and wants an entertaining and captivating evening. Fully family friendly, and there were lots of kids present when we visited, of all ages, most of whom seemed to enjoy the show as much as the adults!

You will find when you visit Plymouth Theatre Royal that you are given a warm welcome, with e-tickets quickly scanned at the door and helpful staff showing you to your seats. It is a bright and airy theatre which not only shows plays, musicals and other productions, but also shows local artist’s work. You can grab a quick bite to each and a drink before the show, and snacks in the interval too, or there are lots of local eateries you could call on beforehand if you prefer. There is ample local parking within easy reach of the theatre too. The theatre is accessible with ramps and easy access for wheelchair users, and we noticed support for those with hearing difficulties too.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Tickets cost from £18

Bugsy Malone the Musical is at Plymouth Theatre Royal from Tuesday 18/10/22 to Saturday 22/10/22
For more information or to book tickets visit https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/bugsy-malone/ or call the box office on 01752 267222.

Theatre Royal, Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 2TR