The school hall at Netherwood disappeared last week, and was replaced by 'Fat Sam's Grand Slam Speakeasy.' Yes, 'Bugsy Malone' had come to town! Pupils from the Senior School were transformed into gangsters and their molls, and toes were tapping as the lively music of Alan Parker's well known show could be heard all over the school.

As usual, the standard of the acting and singing was exceptionally high, particularly from such a small school. Every pupil gave of their best, but Daniel Jenkins, as Bugsy, gave a commanding performance. His accent never faltered, and he brought just the right mixture of charm and cynicism to this demanding role. Daniel has just had a second audition for the National Youth Theatre of Wales. The Netherwood audiences certainly think he should succeed!

He was ably supported by Rhodri Davies as the beleaguered Fat Sam Staccato, who was saddled with the most inept bunch of gangsters ever seen, and Matthew McMann as the suave Dandy Dan, looking as if he'd walked out of a Godfather film.

Ellice Mcdonagh-Williams, as Blousey Brown, the small-town girl looking for fame, soon won the audience with her sensitive singing and was a perfect foil to the raunchy Tallulah, played with pzazz and style by Rachel MacWilliam. Her song, with the molls from the Speakeasy, played with relish by Jo Thompson, Verity Craig, Kerri-Ann Littleton, Alice Bendall and Rachael Bush, proved to be a showstopper.

A new comedy due has been born. James Smith and Mathew James as the two worst cops ever to walk the streets of New York had the audience in fits of laughter, especially when being pursued by David Warren as reporter, Seymour Scoop.

The supporting cast of pupils from Years 7, 8 and 9 were wonderful, particularly the dancing girls, who looked amazing in their sparkling costumes.

Backstage, Gordon Siu, Carolyn Smith and their team worked tirelessly, and once again, Mrs. Judy Morgan not only ensured the lights were perfect, but made some costumes, and sorted out every technical hitch that arose, with her trusty screw-driver.

Front of house was ably managed by Mrs. Pam MacNaghten, and refreshments were in the capable hands of Mr. Holland, Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Beff. Although she didn't have much to do, Mrs. Shirley James, our regular prompt, gives everyone confidence, just by being there. But, this year she also choreographed the Speakeasy dancers - a woman of many talents!

Special mention must be made of the set, designed and constructed by head of art, Mr. John Davies, assisted by senior pupils. This year the theme was almost Art Deco, sophisticated and just right for the period.

The music, such an important part of the show, was in the able hands of Mrs. Jan Hartzell, director of music, once again supported by her son Edmund on double bass, and Mr. Simon Grattan on saxophone. As in past years, we were lucky to obtain the services of our favourite drummer, Mr. D. H. Morris, principal.

The whole show was directed by Mrs. Nicole Evans, who would like to thank everyone who helped, particularly Mrs. Ruth Goldwait for tables and chairs, Texaco for extra staging, and all the parents who raided their wardrobes for costumes and props and sponsored the programme.

On the last night, Mr. Morris thanked everyone who had helped make the show such a success, and paid tribute to the talent present in so many of our pupils. Presentations were made to the members of staff who had worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and the audience were sent home still humming the tunes that had set their toes tapping all night.

Cast members were: Bugsy Malone - Daniel Jenkins; Fat Sam - Rhodri Davies; Tallulah - Rachel McWilliam; Leroy - Timi Aborishade; Ritzy - Siu-Hong Yeung; Snake Eyes - Oliver Goldwait; Bronx Charlie - William Evans; Doodle - David Higginson; Benny Lee - Josh Fiddy; Lovella - Stephanie Hughes; Three Girl Singers - Victoria Purchase, Winnie Courtene-Jones, Sophie Latus; Bangles - Jo Thompson; Loretta - Rachel-Hannah Bush; Dotty - Verity Craig; Blousey Brown - Ellice McDonagh-Williams; Dandy Dan - Mathew McMann; Fizzy - Esme Wise; Knuckles - Gareth Nelson-Edwards; Angelo - James Maxwell; Louis - Kevin Chan; Shoulders - Gareth Morgan; Laughing Boy - Ashley Morgan; Yonkers - Daniel Davies; Roxy Robinson - David Warren; Cagey Joe - James Parcell; Oscar - David Warren; Lena - Winnie Courtene-Jones; Tillie - Alice Bendall; Velma - Kerri-Ann Littleton; O'Dreary - James Smith; Smolsky - Matthew James; Shady - Hoi-Ki Lui; Pickett - Oye Aborishade; Babyface - Michael Thomas; Radio Announcer - Rachel Scourfield; Butler - George Sandifer-Smith; Waitress - Robyn Layton; Seymour Scoop - David Warren; Looney Bergonzi - Griff Gigler; The Great Marbini - Griff Gigler; Joe - James Payne; English Reporter - Rosie Thompson; Ventriloquist - James Payne; Dummy - Robert Collins; Dancers Down and Outs - Pupils Years 7, 8 and 9.

Musicians: piano - Mrs. Jan Hartzell; double bass - Mr. Edward Hartzell; saxophone - Mr. Simon Grattan; drums - Mr. D. Huw Morris.

Director - Mrs. Nicole Evans; musical director - Mrs. Jan Hartzell; technical director and lighting - Mrs. Judy Morgan; assisted by - Shing Lee; stage design and construction - Mr. John Davies; assisted by - pupils of Years 9 and 10; stage manager - Gordon Siu; props - Carolyn Smith; prompt - Mrs. Shirley James; front of house - Mrs. Pam MacNaghten; refreshments - Mr. John Holland; programme - Mr. John Holland.