It proved to be an excellent opening show of the year for our talented drama students as they collaborated with Bedford Girls’ School to perform a sublime and unforgettable version of ‘Bugsy Malone’ over three nights to a packed Quarry Theatre.
This major school production has been a year in the making, with auditions held last November. Its performance dates could not have been timed more perfectly, as with Bugsy Malone The Musical currently touring the UK this iconic gangster movie spoof set in a 1929 prohibition New York, has been on every theatre-lover’s lips.
For most, Bugsy Malone is pure, unadulterated nostalgia, with the 1974 film engrained in our childhood memories. With a child-led cast playing wannabe gangsters, showgirls and dreamers, it offered a perfect opportunity for our young actors to shine brightly. An opportunity which they grasped with both hands to not only shine but positively sparkle with talent and flair as they sang, danced and acted their hearts out.
Music to accompany the show was provided by a live band situated on a raised platform towards the back of the stage. Led superbly by Bedford School’s Musical Director, Mr Dominic Childs, the band was made up of musicians from both schools, who blended effortlessly to provide a score that lifted the performance to the next level.
Mr Childs explained, “It has been a pleasure to direct a band that consists of pupils from both schools – what a privilege to work with such committed and positive young musicians.”
On stage, (designed by the Bedford Girls’ School Theatre Design Technician, Jasmine Middleton), in the dim light of clandestine New York speakeasies, all of the actors fully submerged themselves into character, complete with convincing classic New York gangster accents to take the audience on a journey back in time to the height of the prohibition era.
The whole cast were a joy to watch, but we must give special mention to a number. Blousey Brown, played by Polly Taylor, had the audience spellbound with her pitch-perfect, effortless singing voice, bringing a true West End quality to the production.
Josh Cooke, who played a rather quirky but non-the-less convincing and captivating version of the musical’s namesake, had us all fall in love with this loveable rogue of a character. Fat Sam, played by Toby L’Estrange and his girl, showbiz sensation Tallulah, played expertly by Emmie-Rose Stephens, provided a pivot for the plot and mesmerised the audience with showgirl dances and catchy songs.
Zachary Wasterfall was superb as Leroy Smith – the shy boxer with an awesome punch. Zachary made such an impact that it was a shame he only came on at the end. His flair in character and subsequent scene and song brought a new dimension to the stage with a creative idea for a boxing ring.
However, the performance was made all the more special thanks to the entire cast, who gave their absolute all. As the famous Russian theatre practitioner Stanislavski said, “There are no small parts, only small actors”, and this was proved very much the case, with every cast member showing that they were the lead of their part. We saw some outstanding performances in the audition scene from Ariadna Whittle-Queral who played failed magician Marbini, and Lauren Blower who played Lena Marelli, who provided perhaps one of the funniest moments of the whole show when she stood on the stage to ‘sing’.
All were in for a treat at the end of the show, as one of the biggest highlights took place. Not the famous custard pie and splurge gun scene from the film, but instead an ingenious slow-motion fight scene, which had the audience both amused and wowed as the cast moved fluidly in an elegant yet dramatic slow-motion manner. At the same time the school band raised the bar even higher by playing an accompanying score that harmonised and mirrored the characters’ movement and intent.
We must also make mention of the set, lighting, and sound, which were all managed by Emily Elsom, and James Tearle, who worked with an expert student-led behind-the-scenes crew. Some, for the first time, stepped up to take on director roles for their respective areas. Making use of the Quarry Theatre’s original and rarely seen organ at the back of the stage, we were reminded that during the height of prohibition speakeasies could be set up anywhere… even in an old church!
Of course, the production would not have happened without Director Mr Craig Stratton, Bedford Girls’ School’s new Director of Dance and Drama. Mr Stratton inherited the production from his predecessor and used his experience and talent to make the production a huge success.
Mr Stratton explained, “Since its inception, this project has been a true collaboration, with students and staff from both schools working tirelessly to ensure its success. The students have been an absolute joy to work with and I have been struck by the talent of the cast and crew.”
In a world where the cast members “could’ve been anything they wanted to be”, they were certainly captivating, comical, and enthralling, and put on a show to remember, full of razzamatazz, glitz and outstanding talent.
