Bugsy Malone At the Fisher Theatre

1929 Chicago hits Bungay in a hail of Splurge Guns.

July 2007 saw the senior group (12-16 year olds) perfom th classic film Bugsy Malone. The production saw us face many challenges, some forseen, some not. The old addage rings true 'The show must go on', and go on it did to 4 sell out audiances. The young adults, assisted by some of the junior members had many challenges to face in this production, backfiring splurge guns, pyrotechnics all whilst acting, singing and dancing.

Directors note by Darren France

It had been the ambition of many senior members to produce this well known musical for a very long time indeed! The realisation of how much hard work it would be soon set in once we began rehearsals. Having a Hollywood funded film to live up to can set expectations rather high, particularly where the singing was concerned, as the producers of the film cheated by using an adult-sung dubbed sountrack. Not us.

One begins to understand why they might have done that when you are faced with the demands on te actors to develop and apply multiple skills such as singing with a live band, dancing and excellent acting with a thick Bronx drawl, sometimes simultaneously.

Initially the prospect of putting on this show was daunting and I had my worries but the more we have rehearsed the more I have begun to enjoy it, even though we all know Bugsy Malone so well. Some of the efforts I have seen so far have made it someting to really look forward to. Bugsy Malone has posed many new challenges and has required much hard work and patience from everyone. Lets see it all pay-off in a cracker show with fantastic music, make-you-want to join in dancing and New York Bronx accents that make you want to blow your nose they're so nasal. Watch out for the splurge.

Dandy Dans Hoods start the war
Bugsy, Tallulah & Blousey
The chorus line
Dandy Dan, Fat Sam & the gangs
Boxers & Other cast members
The Grand Finale
All images © AS Photography & FYTG. Not for re-use without permission.

In putting on this production we would like to thank : Bungay Middle School, Mayfair Antiques, Coopers of Bungay, FYTG Committee, Bungay Arts and Theatre Society, Staff at the Fisher Theatre, Black Dog Signs, Wightmans of Bungay, Parents of FYTG members, Dave Simington, Phil Burton, Waveney District Council without their help it would not have happened.

A really big thank you goes to Martyn who made all the splurge guns for the show. Thanks