Splurge Guns and Showstoppers, ‘Bugsy Malone’ Wows at Cromer Pier!

Our Cromer Academy students thrilled audiences with our production of the popular musical ‘Bugsy Malone’. The all singing and dancing cast brought joy to the historic Pavilion Theatre stage at the end of Cromer Pier.

For the first time, we had the incredible honour of showcasing our production at the Pavilion Theatre on Cromer Pier. This was an amazing opportunity for the students to experience performing in a professional theatre with high tech lighting and sound equipment, and even a projected background of the New York City skyline. 

Ms Balfour, Head of Performing Arts said: 

“I could not be prouder of our students, from their commitment to rehearsals over the past 8 months to their confidence and impeccable performance on stage. It is always a pleasure to work with our students on such exciting projects and Bugsy has certainly been the best yet! We are so overwhelmed by the support of the local community and the wonderful feedback we have received too!” 

The audience was taken back to 1920s New York, where penniless boxing promoter Bugsy Malone falls in love with aspiring singer and actress Blousy Brown. However, during their first meeting in a Speakeasy, the club is attacked with splurge guns -machine guns that shoot silly string!  

The owner and friend of Bugsy, Fat Sam, begins to plot his revenge against rival mob boss Dandy Dan, who’s been killing off his men with splurge guns. After the final members of his gang, Knuckles, Louis, Snake Eyes, Ritzy and Angelo are killed, Sam goes to Bugsy to help him take on Dandy Dan.  

Between his relationship with Blousy and promoting new boxer Leroy Smith. Bugsy, along with a group of down-and-out workers, prepare to raid Dandy Dan’s warehouse and take his splurge guns ready for a final showdown! 

The show featured a great cast of characters including star singer Tallulah, the club’s caretaker Fizzy, crime-fighting duo Captain Smolsky and Policeman O'Dreary, and the unlikely hero Baby Face. Also making a big impression was our amazing dancers who appeared throughout various songs in the show. 

Mr Vincent, Principal said: 

“The show was out of this world. Hard work, dedication and passion demonstrated by both the students and staff pulled together what was something truly spectacular. Once again, the community of Cromer came together to support the school with over 650 people coming to watch the performance. The energy within the school was palpable and the whole experience raised the aspirations of all those involved. Personally, all I can say is thank you to all that made the night the memorable event it was, words are not enough.” 

Over both performances an enormous amount of tickets were sold, outselling some of the professional shows on the pier! Holding the production at the Pavilion Theatre has also meant many more people were able to see the production than in previous years. A matinee was also held for 200 Year 5 and 6 pupils from local schools, so they could get a taste of the opportunities on offer at our academy. 

A big thank you to all our students and staff who were involved in this successful production, and a massive thank you to the staff at Cromer Pier for giving us this amazing experience. A wonderful way to end the term.