Friendships Formed: Growth and Companionship in Bugsy Malone

This March,120 students and staff joined forces to bring the roaring 1920s to life in the captivating stage production of "Bugsy Malone", presented at Dulwich College International Shanghai Pudong in the Mei Lan Fang Theatre. 

In honor of Dulwich Pudong's 20th anniversary, the musical “Bugsy Malone” was selected for the annual Senior School production. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant Jazz Age, the play serves as a powerful metaphor for the growth and transformation of Dulwich Pudong and the surrounding community over the past two decades. Adding to the authenticity, only actors under 18 years old are granted performance rights for "Bugsy Malone", perfectly aligning with our school's commitment to “Students come first.” 

From 7th to 9thMarch, the highly anticipated production was performed in the  Mei Lan Fang Theatre. Ticket reservations filled up rapidly, as parents eagerly awaited the opportunity to witness this unforgettable theatrical spectacle.

The packed theatre and the resounding applause that followed was a testament to the remarkable achievement of the musicians, cast and crew of "Bugsy Malone". For each member of the production team, participating in and bringing to life the world of "Bugsy Malone" was an enduring and unparalleled experience. 

The Actors' Stories

In order to deliver a stellar performance on stage, the students devoted themselves to studying the original movie, familiarizing themselves with the plot and delving into the characters' personalities.

This musical’s songs also posed a significant challenge for the actors. Caden B, Year 12, who portrayed Bugsy Malone, confessed that "Bugsy Malone" was a new endeavor for him. It was his first time singing on stage, and he dedicated a considerable amount of time to practising his vocals, aiming to seize this opportunity and better interpret the production. The end result was impressive, as Caden humbly expressed, "In the end, I think I did pretty well, and I am proud of myself for pushing through." 

Similarly, Kaila Y, Year 11 student, played the role of Blousey Brown in "Bugsy Malone". She also shared her insights into the musical saying, "I had never sung in a musical prior to this one, so this was something new yet exciting. With that being said, the songs I had to sing were out of my usual range. At first, I found it difficult, however as I kept practising, the notes felt easier and more natural.” 

The difficulties and hardships encountered during rehearsals were proven worthwhile in the triumphant moments of the successful performance. In the final scene, when everyone gathered to sing the song “Give a Little Love,” each actor remained in character, with their pride and joy shining through, revealing their genuine happiness for the success of the show. 

Of course, there were also many unexpected moments on stage that are still talked about by both the audience and the actors. During one scene, when the character named Fat Sam called out the Bugsy Malone actor's real name, Caden, there was a moment of panic followed by a quick recovery as Caden remained in character and Fat Sam chuckled saying, "Caden? Who's Caden?" This incident became a popular catchphrase on campus, adding to the memorable moments of the production.

Backstage Stories

Like previous annual stage plays in the Senior School, this year's backstage personnel were also filled with the presence of students. Three students, Yily G from Year 11, Charmaine W from Year 11, and Tony Z from Year 11, served as Deputy Stage Managers. 

When discussing the responsibilities of a Deputy Stage Manager, Charmaine W shared that the role benefited her the most by enhancing her ability to adapt to unexpected situations and learning how to stay calm under pressure. This skill was crucial throughout the entire preparation phase because in such a large production, new things were happening every second, and it was vital to remain focused while ensuring everything progressed smoothly. Yily G added that making sure everyone had equal amounts of work to do, writing down and assigning roles to each individual and making sure that the stage manager environment wasn’t too pressure filled, and was happy and comfortable, was also an important part of her responsibility. 

Both of them concluded that the skills acquired during this process are, “Very important for us to be successful in the future, not just in university, but also in work and even in daily life.” 

Reflecting on this year's annual production, the director and producer of the play, Head of Drama, Helen Bamford, shared, “What has resonated with me most about this year's production is the happiness and fun it has given to all those involved, and how much it has brought everyone together. The show itself is full of great songs, characters and action, including the infamous splurge guns making such a mess! If I had to describe this year's play in one word, it would undoubtedly be ‘JOYOUS’!” 

As the curtains fell, a tremendous sense of victory overcame the students. Although the performances had come to an end, the skills learned throughout the process will accompany the students as they venture onto their next steps. The bonds formed and sense of community established are also immutable and will last well beyond the production, creating shared memories and a sense of belonging for everyone involved. It's no wonder that many students have expressed their desire to participate in next year's Senior School production. 

Well done to all the members of Bugsy Malone!