Bugsy Malone, Lyric Hammersmith

The Lyric Hammersmith's 2015 production of Bugsy Malone was our favourite children's show of the year. So we're thrilled that a stupendously talented troupe of youngsters will once again transform the Lyric stage into a speakeasy.

'Anybody who is anybody will soon walk through that door, at Fat Sam’s Grand Slam Speak Easy!' Not least the effortlessly charming, ever-reliable Bugsy Malone. This exuberant musical is set in the Prohibition era, in the heart of New York, in the midst of gang warfare, which is fought with the brilliantly silly custard-shooting splurge guns.

Fat Sam, owner of the most glamorous speakeasy in town, is under attack from the ruthless Dandy Dan and his empire's under threat. The only man Fat Sam can depend on is Bugsy, a washed-up stony-broke boxing promoter. But though he has a heart of gold, Bugsy is a lady’s man. And he’s fallen head over heels for Blousey Brown, a smart-talking singer with dreams of Hollywood stardom.

The movie was a huge success— starring Scott Baio as Bugsy and Jodie Foster as Fat Sam’s moll Tallulah, with an entire cast under 17 years old. This was Sir Alan Parker’s first film and one he wanted to appeal to children— it was his eldest son who originally suggested using children in the cast. “I've always loved that Bugsy Malone is performed so often as a play in schools but, to be honest, I never ever liked the previous professional on-stage versions,” Parker admitted, “However, meeting a few times with Sean Holmes of the Lyric and listening to his excellent ideas, I decided to give a stage production my blessing.”

Sean Holmes, the Lyric’s Artistic Director, directs with energy and charm. Bursting with brilliant songs composed by Paul Williams such as You Give a Little Love and the heartbreaking Tomorrow, this is a truly unmissable musical revival. If you’ve seen the film, you know all the reasons why you should catch this production and if you haven’t then throw yourself into the thrilling fantasy world of Bugsy Malone. As Fat Sam will tell you: “Back to your tables! Razamataz! Music! I wanna see everybody enjoying themselves. No one can say Fat Sam’s ain’t the liveliest joint in town.”