The year is 1926, the place New York, situation prohibition. All this now is a part of American history and there are no more James Cagney Gangster films on the television to give an insight into the period.

I know gang warfare is the same from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to Grease but all this information is needed to help the cast understand the question, why?. In addition, the libretto has too many words and an unfocused plot.

On a simple set helping to tell a complex tale was a young cast of 14 boys and 23 girls who are all individually talented. James Darsley and Jenny Field gave good portrayals of Bugsy and Blousey. Tallulah portrayed by Hannah Telford was most effective and a confident supporting cast played the many other roles in and around the story of Bugsy Malone. The standard of singing and dancing was high. This was an opportunity to enjoy the talent and enthusiasm of youth.

URMSTON Musical Theatre Juniors had a hit on their hands with Bugsy Malone, the Paul Williams musical, at St Antony's School, Urmston, last week. Splurge guns, the secret weapon of Dandy Dan's gang, were the key. The first elimination came when small Roxy Robinson (Oliver Basson) was splurged and carried off by two undertakers accompanied by an angelic violinist! This often repeated exercise which never lost its appeal, culminated in a splurge battle to end all battles.

Then there were the dancers at Fat Sam's, the liveliest joint in town. There were very professional Charlestoners and some deliberately unprofessional male sand dancers! The split level stage was effective and so were the cryptic comments presented on a screen to the side of it. A pat on the back to those who created the two manually propelled cars.

Most children had a chance to shine but the stars were James Darsley as Bugsy and Jenny Field, Blousey, his moll. Their interaction and stage prescence excelled. Boss man Fat Sam, alias Robert Hartley, was a natural at throwing his weight about with the 'dummies' in his employ. Hannah Telford was a sexy Tellulah and could she sing! My vote for the best minor actress goes to 12 year old Jade Ginger who was the cleaner with the brilliant voice.

Fulsome praise to all concerned, not forgetting the backing group who held the show together.

Julia Taylor