Gangster musical takes centre stage at Telford school
A school’s music and drama department is celebrating the end of a busy term with a three-night run of gangster smash hit Bugsy Malone.
The Old Hall School, in Wellington, staged the comedy musical this week with more than 40 children taking part.
The story is set around gangster warfare in New York where Dandy Dan's hoodlums terrorise the district, exterminating undesirables with their new weapon, splurge guns.
His rival is Fat Sam Stacetto, who runs the Grand Slam Speakeasy, but Fat Sam's gang still use old fashioned pies.
Headmaster Martin Stott said staff and pupils had been working hard for two terms on the production and they were excited to finally perform for packed audiences this week.
He said: “These kinds of shows are never easy to stage.
"They involve a great deal of commitment and effort to get it right, even rehearsing at weekends, but it so worth it when you see it all come together like this.
“It is a lot of fun for all those who take part but also a wonderful experience within the school environment to be able to take to the stage like this. I am very proud of all the cast and crew and would also like to say thank to you to all our families and friends of the school who have supported us to ensure this show was a resounding success.”
The performances come after the school’s chapel choir was selected as one of 18 junior choirs from hundreds across the UK to perform at a prestigious national event.
The youngsters travelled to London to take part in the Barnardo's National Choral Competition held at London's prestigious Royal Festival Hall, earlier this month.
The music department at the school will also see 25 pupils take Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exams on Monday just before the Easter break.
More than 50 young musicians also performed solo pieces on a variety of instruments at concerts this term with children aged from seven taking part.
Mr Stott added: “Music and drama are key components of the educational journey at The Old Hall School because they are integral to developing excellent learning skills and building confidence.
"We have had a wonderful term celebrating achievement in this area at all kinds of levels. I am incredibly proud of the staff who have led the children to such great success – it's a privilege for us all to see them perform."
