Bugsy and Pals

Here I was again, presented with another "we are going to the theatre" situations where I was thinking "do I want another Oklahoma" afternoon or shall I throw myself down the stairs just as V is about to leave, thus forcing her to drive herself to the production in Petersfield by the Petersfield Youth Theatre. But how could I say no when the show was put on by kids, with one of the cast the son of V's friend Pam and anyway it can't be that bad, so I will go.

We set off but I still had dark thoughts about the "purple rinse brigade" I had encountered at my last theatre outing but also thoughts about how I had been slightly reluctant to go and see Lee Mead in "Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" but in the end thoroughly enjoyed it!!

Arriving in the car park at the Petersfield Festival Hall I was just about to get out of the car when V had one her "Harrison Ford" moments only this time it was a "Dervla Kirwan" moment. "Look, there's Dervla Kirwan"! And sure enough there she was with her two small children heading towards the parking ticket machine. I did my usual act of pretending I didn't recognise her and after a short invitation to use the machine before her I found myself struck dumb! I soon recovered and managed to buy a parking ticket without mishap or any further exchanges with the "voice of M&S foods" other to suddenly think, "not just Bugsy Malone, this is M&S Bugsy Malone" .... nope, it's doesn't work does it?

OK, into the Festival Hall which was packed full with a buzzing audience all ready for the show to start. V's friend's son was taking a lead role as Fat Sam and within minutes of the performance opening he was on stage and singing and acting his heart out with great verve and confidence worthy of a much older actor given that he is 12 years old.

The stars of the show, sadly were not the two leading parts (Bugsy and Tallulah) for me the two stars easily went to Blousey Brown and Fat Sam. Now I know I am no theatre critic and I may be a tad biased towards Fat Sam but I am sure I am right! Afterwards Gianluca (Fat Sam) said he had made some mistakes but I for one would never have known from his confident and excellent performance. He should be proud of himself I know his mum was and she had been to every performance matinee and evening for the whole week. I think she knows the dialogue for the complete cast now and perhaps should audition for one of the parts in the next Amateur Dramatic productions of Bugsy!!!

I am now wondering what next in terms of musical productions will I find myself attending.... watch this space.