In April, the Haileybury Almaty Senior School came alive with the energy, humour, and heart of Bugsy Malone — a bold and lively production that showcased the incredible talent of our Year 7, 8, and 9 pupils.
This year’s production was inspired by a remarkable group of enthusiastic students who were passionate about both the theatrical and musical aspects of drama. With its playful storyline, comedic timing, and unforgettable characters, Bugsy Malone offered the perfect stage for our young actors to express themselves.
From the very first script run-through, the pupils connected with the characters, auditioning with confidence and bringing their own personalities into each role. Over just two months of rehearsals, they transformed into gangsters, dreamers, divas, and champions — delivering standout performances that delighted audiences across all three show nights.
Among the many unforgettable moments:
- Blousey’s heartfelt portrayal of a girl chasing her Hollywood dream;
- Bugsy’s charming performance filled with humour, resilience, and charisma;
- Lera’s scene-stealing “tone-deaf” singing that could clear out a speakeasy in seconds;
- Dandy Dan’s empowering rap and fierce gang leadership;
- Tomasso’s comic energy as a lovable but clueless would-be gangster;
- Cagey Joe’s boxing brilliance as the trainer of a future heavyweight champ;
- And of course, Roxy the Weasel, who set the scene by simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In total, 26 students took part in the production — an ensemble that not only brought the show to life but also built something far greater offstage: a sense of pride, confidence, community, and mutual support. From learning lines to lifting each other up, these pupils demonstrated what it truly means to work together creatively and courageously.
As our Drama Teacher - Mr Robert Moody noted, this promising group of young actors is sure to inspire others to take risks, step into the spotlight, and discover their potential. After all, all the world’s a stage — and they’ve only just begun.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who made this production possible — especially to Mr Robert Moody for leading the direction with passion and vision, and to Sophie Lightowlers and Sophie Brunson for their invaluable support throughout the process. Special thanks also to our talented musicians and the many staff members who worked behind the scenes to bring Bugsy Malone to life. Your dedication and creativity helped create a truly unforgettable experience for our pupils and audience alike.
