Wellington Colleg is quickly developing a reputation for putting on musical productions of a very high quality. Following the success of its sell-out musical show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, last March, Wellington recently staged its second major musical production this year, Bugsy Malone, an action-packed song and dance extravaganza. This was again directed by Jane Griffiths, a professional singer, dancer, actress and director from London. Her father, Stephen Griffiths, Wellington’s Director of Music, was the show’s musical director and conductor.
Bugsy Malone began life as a very successful film, written and directed by Alan Parker, and featuring child actors, most notably Jodie Foster. Parker was trying to find a film that his children could enjoy, and his eldest son suggested one featuring a cast of children. The plot is loosely based on events during the 1920s Prohibition era in the US, and more specifically, the exploits of Al Capone and Bugs Moran in Chicago. The film was later adapted into a stage show and its tongue-in-cheek style, starring children as the gangsters and their molls, makes it perfect for a school production.
Bugsy Malone is a slapstick musical comedy. The story line follows the rivalry between two half-witted gangs, aided and abetted by a well-intentioned, one-time boxer, Bugsy Malone, who steps in to take control of Fat Sam's gang and give Dandy Dan and his boys what they've got coming to them. In this musical spoof, the message is one of good, clean fun. The characters are wonderful cartoon cut-outs and their weapons of choice ‘splurge’, or whipped cream, guns and custard pies.
Jane Griffiths chose Bugsy Malone as the perfect vehicle to showcase the talents of a wide range of pupils at Wellington. Those taking part ranged from six to eighteen years of age. “We knew Bugsy Malone would be a sure-fire hit with both children and adults alike - not least because of its elaborate stage set, specially-tailored period costumes and an enthusiastic cast of over 60 talented pupils”.
“The show was fabulous” said one guest after watching the opening night performance. “The standard of performance was very high and the dance numbers were amazing.” Tianjin Plus described the show as a “great success”, with an “unusually impressive” stage set for a school production and highlighted the importance of the creative team behind Bugsy Malone, Jane and Steve Griffiths, noting that their “lifetime experience in producing, directing and choreographing shone through in every aspect of the play.”
