By Mr Stratton (Director of Dance and Drama)

This past week, we staged our first production of the year, Bugsy Malone: The Musical. This ambitious project was undertaken in collaboration with staff and students from Bedford School and performed over three nights at The Quarry Theatre, St Lukes. The performances themselves were a huge success – sold out each night – and audience feedback has been outstanding:

“An amazing show! Fantastic lighting, sound and acting – well done!”

“It was an incredible performance…”

“What an amazing show. Fantastic actors and musicians. We loved every second!”

The production was made up of over fifty students who had a role in the cast, the band or the crew! It was wonderful to see the students take ownership over their respective roles and to see the production take shape over the course of the rehearsal period. One of my fondest memories is of the company's self-created ‘warm-up’ – a conga line through the space to various ‘popular’ music. It was wonderful to see a group of students bond so well over a shared experience.

A special mention must go to our Theatre Design Technician, Miss Middleton and Theatre and Events Technician, Miss Elsom, who worked non-stop to create the amazing set, prop and costume production aspects. Having such a quality aesthetic really helped the actors characterise and I must say, supported the audience in ‘suspending their disbelief’. I would also like to thank again all staff that supported the production – all of whom brought their own skill set and experience to the show.

Polly Taylor (Year 11) who played the character, Blousey, reflected on the production: “It was such a pleasure to get to be a part of the joint school production of Bugsy Malone this year. It has honestly been the most amazing experience. Being able to work with the boy’s school has been so fun and I have made so many friends that I otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to meet. It was also great to get the chance to perform at the Quarry Theatre, although it was an unfamiliar space at first, we all easily settled in after a few rehearsals. Being part of Bugsy Malone really helped challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone and take risks which has not only helped me develop my acting skills but also my confidence. It has truly been a brilliant experience and I hope to do more joint shows in the future.”

Gemma Wallington (Lower Sixth) who was Head of Props said: “It was great mixing schools and different year groups, as I made friends with people that have similar passions to me, that I may not have met without Bugsy.  I have learnt that with a lot of long rehearsals and dedication from both students and staff, an amazing production can be formed.”

View stunning photos from the production here. 

View the programme here.