Bugsy cast rules in gangster-era show

OPENING night nerves were obvious. But, to tell the truth, it didn t really matter as the pupils of Greneway School in Royston recreated the gangster era of the 1930s. This was a production of Bugsy Malone which took us into the world of the speakeasy and

OPENING night nerves were obvious.

But, to tell the truth, it didn't really matter as the pupils of Greneway School in Royston recreated the gangster era of the 1930s.

This was a production of Bugsy Malone which took us into the world of the speakeasy and the boxing gymnasium in a time when the rule of law was decided more by the machine-gun shoot-out rather than the police.

And the set and the acting captured that violent epoch in American life perfectly.

Of course, Bugsy Malone is about a violent time - an era which saw the St Valentine's massacre as Al Capone and his hoods battled to control Chicago - but the production itself has more than a touch of anti-violence.

And we had performances from a large cast which showed a great deal of enthusiasm and hard work.

Indeed, it was difficult to believe that at times we were seeing pupils who were just 10 years of age.

The leading roles were played by Melody Causton (Blousey Brown), Sophie Ovens (Tallulah), Tom Heginbottom (Fat Sam) and, of course, Daniel Jinkerson (Bugsy Malone).

Bugsy Malone is in the end a musical and the cast and choir went through the show's numbers with a great deal of expertise.

Indeed, the routine to So You Wanna Be a Boxer had a great deal of originality - as well as being one of original production's show-stoppers.

This version of Bugsy Malone is what the end of term production is all about: a chance for everyone to become involved and be part of a project which was certainly worthwhile.

LES BAKER