Theatre Preview: Bugsy Malone the Musical

Splurge guns at the ready as Bugsy Malone The Musical explodes into Blackpool Grand Theatre from Thursday 15 August to Saturday 17 August starring the talented young cast of The Grand’s first ever Musical Theatre Summer School.

Set in Prohibition-era New York, Alan Parker’s timeless musical comedy tells the unforgettable tale of a city full of mobsters, showgirls and dreamers – all famously played by kids. The result of the Grand’s first Summer School, the kids taking to the stage this summer are all local and incredibly talented.

Rival gangster bosses Fat Sam and Dandy Dan are at loggerheads and the custard pies are flying, but Dandy Dan’s gang has gotten the upper hand since obtaining the new-fangled ‘splurge’ gun. Now, Fat Sam and his bumbling buffoons are in real trouble. Enter penniless one-time boxer and all-round nice guy Bugsy Malone. All Bugsy really wants to do is spend time with his new love, Blousey, but will he be able to resist seductive songstress Tallulah and stay out of trouble long enough to help Fat Sam to defend his business?

With glittering costumes, dynamic choreography and instantly recognisable songs including My Name is Tallulah, You Give A Little Love and Fat Sam’s Grand Slam. This dazzling production is professionally produced by Blackpool Grand Theatre and will become a spectacular, immersive, theatrical experience performed by around 130 eight to 17 year olds from across Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre and the North West as part of The Grand’s Musical Theatre Summer School 2024.

The result of an intensive two-week rehearsal period, Bugsy has been produced by a professional creative team and supported by The Grand Young Technicians – a brand-new programme for young people aged between 14 and 19.

Bugsy director and Blackpool Grand Theatre Creative Programme Producer, Mykey J Young, said: “The Grand Musical Theatre Summer School began because we wanted to offer young people the opportunity to access the arts who may not otherwise be able to. This innovative project also gives young people the chance to work alongside a creative professional team across all aspects of a live production, from choreography and music, right through to the technical crew, in a nurturing and supportive environment.

“As someone who started their own journey in the arts through training in the Youth Theatre right here at Blackpool Grand, I know the positive impact schemes such as this can have on building confidence and strengthening resilience and I am thrilled to be able to pass that on to a new generation of theatre lovers.

“We chose Bugsy The Musical for the Summer School as this is a title that spans generations and is firmly rooted in people’s hearts. Everyone loves to sing and dance along to Bugsy! Our performers and technicians have all thrown themselves wholeheartedly into this production and are doing so well. We can’t wait for opening night!”

Bugsy Malone the Musical is at Blackpool Grand, 15th-17th August. Custard pies at the ready… book your seats here.