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Bugsy Malone musical at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury is a totally wonderful blast from the past

12:31, 25 January 2023

updated: 13:43, 25 January 2023

I used to love watching the film and singing all the songs in it when I was a child, so of course, I thoroughly enjoyed a real nostalgic trip to the theatre to see a new version of Bugsy Malone on stage.

The show, based on the 1976 musical blockbuster film, is currently on at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury until Sunday, January 29.

Family favourite Bugsy Malone is on at the Marlowe Theatre. Picture: Pamela Raith
Family favourite Bugsy Malone is on at the Marlowe Theatre. Picture: Pamela Raith
Bugsy Malone is well worth getting tickets for as the show is just a hoot. Picture: Pamela Raith
Bugsy Malone is well worth getting tickets for as the show is just a hoot. Picture: Pamela Raith

And Tallulah, Fat Sam and Bugsy Malone didn't disappoint as the show is just so authentic to the film and if you love all that jazz of a musical, then this is right up your street.

The showgirls and mobsters world has been transformed onto the stage for this very funny comedy story, and yes, there are lots of whipped cream and custard pies thrown.

The young actors totally shine in their roles on stage and there is a spectacular set, wonderful dance routines and gags throughout the two-hour show.

If you were a fan of the 70s iconic movie, then you'll be in for real treat if you go to see it as all the iconic songs are featured on stage.

My Name is Tallulah, You Give a Little Love, Fat Sam’s Grand Slam, So You Want To Be A Boxer and more are all perfectly performed and sung by the young cast.

Bugsy Malone is currently on at the Marlowe Theatre. Picture: Pamela Raith
Bugsy Malone is currently on at the Marlowe Theatre. Picture: Pamela Raith
The show is a spoof of gangster films, set in 1920s New York. Picture: Pamela Raith
The show is a spoof of gangster films, set in 1920s New York. Picture: Pamela Raith

You can't help laugh and smile at the antics of Fat Sam, his rival Dandy Dan, newcomer Bugsy Malone and singer Tallulah as they lead their tricky lives of gangsters, showgirls and money-making schemes.

The speakeasy bar that is Fat Sam's is where most of the action happens, but the set is forever changing, very cleverly in places and the whole show flows perfectly from one scene to another.

It is a real family friendly show and the auditorium was filled with both young and older theatre lovers who seemed to have as much fun watching it as me and my theatre buddy I did.

The show is based on Alan Parker’s BAFTA-winning film, starring Jodie Foster, Scott Baio and John Cassisi and is a parody of mobster films and real life gangsters such as Al Capone and Bugs Moran.

The show really was a blast from the past and left me grinning from ear to ear and is well worth going along to enjoy.

Bugsy Malone is a wonderful musical. Picture: Pamela Raith
Bugsy Malone is a wonderful musical. Picture: Pamela Raith
Bugsy Malone is in Canterbury until Sunday. Picture: Pamela Raith
Bugsy Malone is in Canterbury until Sunday. Picture: Pamela Raith

You can book tickets online here or call 01227 787787.

This new Lyric Hammersmith Theatre production comes from the teams at Theatre Royal Bath Productions, Birmingham Rep Theatre and Kenny Wax Productions.

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