Bugsy Malone
★★★☆☆ Appealing
The Edinburgh Academy (Venue 70): Fri 1 – Tue 12 Aug 2025
Review by Sophie Good
A cast of young people from Captivate Theatre prove they can be anything that they want to be in their production of musical Bugsy Malone at Edinburgh Academy until 12 August.
It’s a splurge-tastic tale of gangsters, chorus girls and wannabe boxers in 1920s New York, using a prohibition era speakeasy as its backdrop. The storyline follows the same shtick as the original 1976 film, in which two rival gangs go to war, except that – because the whole cast are children – they use pies and squirty cream instead of guns.
A scene from Bugsy Malone by Captivate. Pic: Captivate.
It’s not the most simple of plots, and our young reviewer found it a little complicated to follow at times, perhaps a victim of more simplified singular plots of some contemporary musicals. There’s a lot going on; and a big cast in a small space with split casting for most of the key roles.
There is however much to enjoy, Director Sally Lyle is a sure hand who holds the whole thing together really well and makes sure that all the young people get a chance to shine.
In the cast when Æ was in to review, Euan Campbell was a confident Bugsy, and Anna Black an understated but likeable Blousey with a nice bluesey voice. Isabella Wood is an intimidating mob leader Dandy Dan, severe and glamourous, a great gender switch which works really well.Tallulah, the speakeasy diva is rendered with real poise and confidence beyond her years by Elissia Conetta.
ooze glamour
The whole ensemble work really well together and the chorus girls in particular ooze glamour with costume design from Charlotte Nicholson and choreography from April Beattie.
The live music throughout is enjoyable with on-stage pianist and musical director James Kinnear adding a cabaret ambience.
A scene from Bugsy Malone by Captivate. Pic: Captivate.
The big all-cast musical numbers gave the show a real lift. The Down and Out is a fun highlight and So You Wanna Be A Boxer allows the highly entertaining Robbie McKellican to really shine as Cagey Joe, coaching the reluctant but super powered Leroy (Joshua Brown).
Then there is the most lovely of cameos from the endearing Fizzy, floor mopper and wannabe singer/dancer who is always told to come back tomorrow. Arya Chamberlain provides touching vocals whilst talented young dancer Miia Nuttall performs in the background in Tomorrow.
All in all, there are some great moments in what is a busy and chaotic show. There is plenty to entertain a young or old audience, all produced with the finesse and energy which is a signature of Captivate’s productions.
Running time: One hour and 30 minutes (including one interval).
Edinburgh Academy (Magnuson Theatre), 42 Henderson Row, EH3 5BL (Venue 70).
Fri 1 – Tue 12 August 2025.
Daily: 5.45pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Captivate Theatre links
Website: www.captivatetheatre.com
Facebook: @captivatetheatre
Instagram: @captivatetheatre
TikTok: @captivate_theatre
X: @Captivate_LTD
A scene from Bugsy Malone by Captivate. Pic: Captivate.
ENDS
