Adventures in Gangland

Middle School musical 2010: Bugsy Malone

Miss Lara Jakes's wonderful production of Bugsy Malone was a joyful success, playing to 1100 people over four performances. It had something for everyone: major acting, singing and dancing roles, a strong supporting cast of dancers, Speakeasy customers and many individuals taking on several roles. There were many highlights: the Fat Sam’s Speakeasy dance scenes, the Down and Outs’ routine, the Hoods practising their inept thuggery, the training session at Sluggers’ Gym, Fizzy’s wistful singing of Tomorrow to subtle choreography, the Lena Marrelli show auditions, the band invading the stage to join in the splurging, and more…

Particular credit must go to the principals, Tyler Wootton, Ellie Partridge, Alastair Hardie, Jack Wride and Natalie Filor. Other fine performances came from Andrew Brind, Henry Cowling, Austin Robison, Charlie Holmes and George Hoult, while Ed Wilson stole the show as a would-be TV star in audition. The excellent choreography was conceived and led by Miss Jakes, with help from lead dancer Aja Garrod-Prance and assistants Lauren Cole and Vicky Palmer. Hugh Collins led an accomplished pupil band. The stage crew, led by Mr Adrian Armstrong, ran all the changes seamlessly, while the technical team under the leadership of Tom and Andrew Lines provided expert sound,  lighting and projections. Mrs Michelle Giles and her team’s countless costumes were imaginative and the changes required great discipline from the wardrobe team and the cast.

Special mention must go to Miss Molly Doyle and Mr Graham Strugnell whose creative make-up design and imaginative directing during this production marked their final remarkable contributions to school performances over the years.