Don’t miss gangster musical Bugsy Malone

October 23, 2015

bugsy malone1Talented pupils have formed an orchestra to provide the live soundtrack to a gangster-packed production of Bugsy Malone by the Monmouth Music Theatre Youth group.

Taking to the stage at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls tonight and twice tomorrow, the show features local children between the ages of seven and 16.

HMSG’s music prefect Jess, who plays double bass, cello and piano, was tasked with putting together an orchestra to accompany the 22 young actors.

The 17-year-old, who will be playing the electric bass guitar parts, has gathered another seven instrumentalists from HMSG, Monmouth School and Monmouth Comprehensive to play the famous soundtrack.

“I love musicals, and this one is really funny and family-friendly,” Jess said.

“It’s brilliant to do something different.

“I normally play orchestral music like Beethoven and Mozart and I’d never picked up an electric bass guitar until we started rehearsing.”

jess martin

Jess, centre, performing at the HMSSO concert in February

Jess’ sister Imogen will be playing the cello tonight alongside fellow HMSG girl Ellie on electric guitar, and Monmouth School pupils Lewis, on trumpet, and Huw on the saxophone. Jess, who hopes to study at the Royal College of Music, has been a member of Monmouth Music Theatre for about a year.

She added: “I love being part of the theatre group because so many different people are part of it.

“You get all ages, from seven to 85.

“You learn to get along with different people and make new friendships, it’s a lot of fun.”

Bugsy Malone, which features an extremely messy finale complete with custard pies, splurge guns and water pistols, takes place tonight at 7.30pm (Friday, October 23), with a matinee at 2.30pm and an evening show at 7.30pm tomorrow (Saturday, October 24).

Click here  for tickets, or pop into Handyman House in Monmouth.

They cost £9 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for families with a maximum of two adults and two children.