St Mary’s students shine in Bugsy Malone production at the Floral Pavilion

Students from St Mary’s Catholic College, Wallasey, recently took to the Floral Pavilion Theatre stage to perform the comedic musical, Bugsy Malone, across three very well-received shows.

With more tickets and even an extra performance added due to high demand, each show had the audience on the edge of their seats and was full of laughter and applause, leading to multiple standing ovations.

Set in 1929, the slapstick mobster musical follows a group of children part of two rival gangs, who engage in business, love, and war, also fighting using the brand-new ‘splurge’ guns. It explores the battle for power between the gangs and their leaders, as well as the story of one-time boxer Bugsy himself.

The St Mary’s cast was led by head of performing arts at the school, Miss Ally Keen, and consisted of over 130 young people, who used their talent and creativity to fantastically portray the roles of the young and ambitious American mobsters.

Other students supported with the pre-production, taking on cast and crew roles to help with set design, prop creation, costumes and assisting with the running of the show.  

Everyone worked together to deliver a truly stellar performance.

Lacey in Year 10 said: “I have loved the show this year. Miss [Keen] has focused on us all being one big family. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Another student, Eve, added: “It was a lovely atmosphere, everyone was supportive, and I’ve made lifelong friends and memories.”

Local primary school pupils were also involved in the musical, including those from St Paul’s RC Primary, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, and St Alban’s Catholic Primary.

Leading up to the shows, the children took part in a range of workshops and rehearsals to practice their dancing, gymnastic and singing skills before coming together with the older St Mary’s students to perfect the scenes.

Hundreds of parents, carers, staff, friends, and members of the local community attended the performances at the Floral Pavilion to watch the talented cast shine.

Many of the staff at St Mary’s helped out too, organising the event and even creating large-scale props such as an on-stage car.

Miss Ally Keen said: “I am extremely proud of the passion, talent, and dedication demonstrated by all those involved in Bugsy Malone. From centre stage to behind the scenes, each and every person worked extremely hard to put on the perfect show!

“I would also like to thank all the staff for the support they have provided to make this magical world of theatre possible for our students. It’s clear that a sense of community and collaboration has played a significant role in the success of this production.”

Headteacher of St Mary’s Catholic College, Mr Kevin Maddocks, commented: “All of us at St Mary’s are delighted with the resounding success of the recent Bugsy Malone performances.

“Our school’s vision and mission focus on creating opportunities for young people to thrive, which exactly what this event has been. It has been incredible to work in partnership with local primary pupils and staff to create something truly magical.”

Kevin added: “It’s so important that our young people engage in the arts and perform in front of large, live audiences, supporting them to develop their skills and confidence. Being able to do this in a theatre is a wonderful experience for the pupils.”

The St Mary’s portrayal of Bugsy Malone was such a hit that many took to social media to express their enthusiasm, with ex-students also getting in touch to send congratulations.