Gangsters armed to the teeth with splurge guns are set to take over a theatre – and give a big break to two young actors from Flintshire.
Liverpool-based LHK Productions are putting on two performances of the hit show, Bugsy Malone, at the Stiwt Theatre, in Rhos, near Wrexham, on Saturday, November12.
The musical is set in downtown New York during the prohibition years where bullets have been replaced with custard pies and flour bombs.
For Abigail Sherratt, 14, and Dominic Melluish, 15, the show provides an opportunity to showcase their talents on the professional stage.
Abigail, from Flint, has landed the leading role of Blousey and is looking forward to appearing at the Stiwt Theatre for a second time.
The Flint High School pupil said: “I was thrilled to land the role of Blousey after auditioning. I did have a role in last year’s pantomime, Snow White, at the Stiwt, although not a leading role.
“Bugsy Malone is a real opportunity to get involved with a professional production, it’s a great experience and really gives me the chance to push myself.
“I desperately want to be an actor and want to study drama at university, I do go to Stagecoach in Colwyn Bay already. I know it will be tough and I am under no illusions just how hard it can be to reach the top.
“I enjoy being on stage so much though and would also really love to get some TV and film work in the future.”
Abigail also played the role of Blousey in LHK Productions’ Bugsy Malone in Liverpool’s Crosby Civic Hall recently but says there’s nothing like being on stage in a real theatre like the Stiwt.
And Abigail, who cites Kate Winslett as her favourite actress, added: “It gives you a real buzz and I’m really looking forward to the performances. It’s hard work having two shows on the same day but it’s brilliant fun and the audience, young and old, really get to join in.”
Abigail’s mum, Laura Sherratt, says she is delighted LHK Productions and the Stiwt Theatre are giving young actors the opportunity to tackle professional theatre.
She said: “It gives young aspiring actors the chance to perform and gain invaluable experience. It’s great for their CV’s but it really is a steep learning curb.
“Bugsy Malone is a really professional show and lots of fun. It will appeal to old and young alike.”
Dominic, of Gwernymynydd, near Mold, landed the lead role of Bugsy Malone after auditioning for the part and says he is delighted to have the chance to act in a professional production.
The Mold High School student, who says Johnny Depp is his acting hero, said: “It’s a big chance for me. I saw a flyer about the auditions when I was appearing in Wrex-factor with my Glee group and applied.
“I was amazed to land the role but can’t wait to get on the big stage. It’s been tough learning all the lines but I desperately want to be a professional actor in the future so I suppose I better get used to that aspect of the job!
“It’s great to have a professional production like this to add to my CV. I do go to Stagecoach in Chester and want to go onto study drama and theatre after I leave school.”
Dominic, who admits he also has ambitions to land his dream job, playing a Genie at Disneyland, says he played Buttons in a Cinderella last year and has landed the role of the Prince in a Snow White pantomime this year.
He said: “I enjoyed doing panto, although they are both small productions by a group within the village where I live. It’s still very good experienced though and something I can add to my CV.
“The thing with Bugsy Malone is it’s a professional production and nothing like, for example, a school show. Everything has to be right and everything has to be professional.”
Dominic’s mum, Karen Melluish, added: “I’m absolutely delighted Dominic has landed this role. I have been impressed just how professional the production is. It’s certainly a lot of fun and will appeal to a wide audience.”
Lee Kelly, who runs LHK Productions, says the show is Bugsy Malone as you have never seen him before.
He said: “We like to give up-and-coming young actors the chance to perform on the professional stage and a story such as Bugsy Malone is a great deal of fun for audiences of all ages.
“The show is brilliantly staged and choreographed by Nicola Deacon and Rachel Williams and allows the audience to really get involved. And Dandy Dan’s new and improved splurge guns are certainly not weapons to be trifled with!
“I’d encourage regular theatre goers and those that have never seen live theatre to go along and enjoy something really different.”
Bugsy Malone is on at The Stiwt Theatre, Rhos on Saturday, November 12 with performances at 2.30pm and 7.15pm. For ticket information ring the Box Office on 01978 841300 or visit www.stiwt.co.uk
