As a young kid I’d recorded Bugsy Malone off the TV and would play it on repeat. No lie, I would watch it, rewind it, and watch it again. Maybe 3 or 4 times in one sitting. It was my favourite. I’m sure I’m not alone in this as I don’t know anybody that can’t sing along to Bad Guys, or My Name is Tallulah. Even Dizzee Rascal and Lily Allen did a cover of So You Wanna Be a Boxer.
The stage show at the Theatre Royal didn’t disappoint. With the main cast being played by varying ages of young folk who were all awesome and brought to life the characters I was mesmerised by some 30 odd years ago, I was grinning from ear to ear the whole show through.
The set was brilliantly thought out to portray Fat Sam’s speak easy as an underground bar, outside alleys and, of course, Joe’s boxing gym (Let me at him Jooeeeee). A fantastic scene to bring to the stage the famous peddle cars from the film and, who could ever forget, the iconic Splurge Guns which climaxed with the incredible end bar ‘shoot out’ scene.
The end of the show really did send shivers of joy through me as we were encouraged to stand up, film, and generally get involved with the grand finale of Give a Little Love. One of my favourite shows I’ve been to see to date.
Review by Johnny Banks
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