Bugsy Malone

Bugsy Malone
By Paul Williams and Alan Parker. Directed by Jodie Innes, Musical Direction by Krispin Maesalu. Phoenix Theatre, Memorial Hall, Spearwood, WA. 11-18 July 2015

Bugsy Malone, presented by Phoenix Theatre, is perfectly timed to coincide with school holidays and would make a great holiday treat for families. It features an enthusiastic cast of kids whose joy of performing is contagious.

Shining in the title role is Connor Gosatti who has the skills to carry a show, a perfect Bronx accent and more charm than a young Scott Baio.

Ashley Garner, a little slim for Fat Sam, handles the gangster role beautifully and is a standout performer.

Sarah-Rose Kelly is a sweet performer and creates Blousey nicely, while Abigail Banister-Jones captures the sass of speakeasy singer Tallulah, well.

The cast of thirty-three bright young things work well as a team with a strong ensemble feel and a great sense of fun. Particularly memorable performances include Mmoloki Hartill's lovely double stint as showgirl Loretta and an (uncredited) boxer Leroy, Saoirse Gerrish's bold, brassy and bossy Lena Morelli, Adeson Oyasope's sweet-faced Fizzy and Julian Menek's smooth Dandy Dan.

The actors were well supported by a six-piece band led by Krispin Maesulu with the assistance of Josh Haines, although it was difficult to hear vocals at times. Choreography, which included the nicely executed performance of Fat Sam's Dancers, was provided by Mikaela Innes.

Set changes weren't always smooth (or indeed necessary) and sometimes stage technique is yet to develop, but this is a likeable show.

Congratulations to Phoenix Theatre for supporting young performers in a fabulous way, by mounting a major production. Bugsy Malone is a delight.

Kimberley Shaw

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