Bugsy Malone
Lyric Hammersmith
Reviewed on Wednesday 29th June 2016
★★★★
After its critical success last year, the Lyric Hammersmith's Olivier Award nominated Bugsy Malone returns to their main house for a second summer outing. Car chases, splurge guns and a vat full of glittery flapper dresses; there's a lot of fun to be had in Sean Holmes' production, and the kids are firmly at the forefront of it all.
Precociously talented youngsters fill the stage, from the adorably tiny Alesandro Bonelli as Dandy Dan, to the feisty Rhianna Dorris as Tallulah - who sings her big number 'My Name Is Tallulah' with soul well beyond her years. The real star of the night however is Elliot Aubrey (Fizzy), whose rendition of 'Tomorrow' is goosebump-inducingly good.
The set and costumes by Jon Bausor dazzle - with a particularly excellent car chase sequence, whilst Phil Bateman's band captures the essence of the roaring twenties with panache.
The real sparkle in this Malone comes from Drew McOnie's natty, zesty choreography - making full use of his talented young adult ensemble. McOnie's little touches light up Fat Sam's, and give life to what are essentially a string of superfluous numbers. At times it feels as though the quality of singing has been compromised by the ferocious dancing, and we never quite get to hear a full sounding production vocally - but it's certainly a sparky spectacle.
Famed for not really having much substance and a slightly lacklustre book, this production of Bugsy Malone is a welcome relief to the current climate. You can see how much joy the young performers are experiencing up on that stage, and really, what's better than that?
Reviewed by Oliver Dowdeswell
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