Bugsy’s ready for stage

Nayland’s biennial production Bugsy Malone is set to be a local hit over the next two weeks, with an enthusiastic cast and a darkly comedic undertone.

Bugsy Malone’s storyline comes from a 1976 British gangster film and it will feature an all-student 74-member cast wielding custardsquirting guns and firing insults.

It is based on 1920s’ New York, loosely following mafia exploits from the likes of Al Capone and Bugs Moran, and touching on the complexities of young love and ambition.

Near-perfect New York accents from the leads paired with anklelength mink coats and bow ties provide an authentic mafia experience from the get-go.

It is director Keran Brady’s third Nayland production.

The entire company, including backstage, hair and makeup, numbers well over 100 students and 25 staff.

The cast has been practising every day since nearly the beginning of the year.

With a majority of students already active members of Nayland’s dance and drama companies, the upcoming show is of a professional musical theatre standard.

Choreography has been overseen by 21-year-old Oakley Salton, a former Nayland College student.

Salton graduated from Otago University with a Bachelor of Performing Arts last year and is now completing a postgraduate degree in teaching through correspondence at Wellington’s Victoria University.