Set in the depths of New York, Bugsy Malone is a play which has comedy, romance and drama, a perfect way to end week five. Alan Parker’s production starts with a ‘bang’ as the main protagonist is introduced, in the first 10 minutes there is an action packed ‘splurge’ along with the arrival of Bugsy’s new romantic encounter – Blousy. The play features around two rival gangs, and Fat Sam’s speakeasy – there unfolds a tale where Bugsy finds love with Blousy, a wannabe singer who is struggling to make it ‘big’ in New York.

The tone is light hearted, fun and entertaining, but Fat Sam was the real star of the show. Alex O’Byran-Tear did an excellent portrayal of an Italian New Yorker; by the second half he had the audience in fits. Improvisation worked to the play’s advantage, and Alex was ultimately the master of this. Fat Sam’s line “Quieter than Cindies in exam term” proved a classic; the use of anachronisms also helped to shape the plot and make the play more fit for present day viewing.  The play cleverly used its flaws as tool of humour, in appealing to a more adult audience, the show was careful not to fall into the trap of appearing too serious or only featuring ‘adult humour’. In fact several parts, such as Fat Sam’s microphone falling off mid-way through a set, or the advent of a ‘droopy’ looking rose or bent magnifying glass, made way for playful humour. The comedy came naturally, it looked as if at some points the actors themselves couldn’t help but grin. The use of improvisation was a risky strategy, but it had the audience in fits of hysterical giggling. Fat Sam was certainly the real star of the show – with Malone only shining as a character during the second half, and only having one solo song; the show should have been retitled to ‘Fat Sam’, the audience cared far less for Bugsy.

The viewers were also cleverly involved within the action of the play itself, Tallulah’s serenade involving a front row member and the attack of ‘Splurge’ guns, coupled with the finale scene – the action of the play was brought to life and into the audience itself. Glitter, party strings, and foam covered the stage; whilst the play may have caused laughter it also brought with it a lot of mess too.

In addition, villain Dandy Dan, played by Luke Dell was also one of the highlights of the play. With an evil looking moustache joint with a black bowler hat, Luke was the perfect villain to take on Fat Sam’s wimpy gang, at points gave the audience shivers. Whilst the audience were in fear of Dandy Dan, they were also seduced effectively by Tallulah, played by Sophia Lua. Sophia put on a fantastic performance, certainly the leading lady; she was able to lead Bugsy astray; deceiving him through her lures.

The play was by no means flawless – the dancers were at points out of sync, the singing sometimes out of tune, yet what was clever is that the play could use its own flaws to its advantage. Imperfections gave the play a more light-hearted tone. While at points the humour became muddled between laughing with the actors to laughing at the actors – or both. Nonetheless the natural flow of acting combined with the anachronisms of present day Cambridge brought a new perspective to the classic play that everyone had once watched and loved.