Who did they all belong to I wondered as I entered Barnby Memorial Hall with a young member of my clan in tow? In fact, the hall was so packed that there wasn’t a spare seat in sight, a very good sign for an amateur dramatic group.

We were invited to take a seat at Fat Sam’s Grand Slam and take in the atmosphere of his rather dubious establishemnt lurking behind the innocent frontage of a library. This was, of course, the musical Bugsy Malone with libretto by Alan Parker and with words and music by Paul Williams.

Made famous by the film of the same name, starring a very young Jodie Foster, the stage musical is now a favourite with dramatic groups as it allows their younger actors and singers to take centre stage. With a cast of thirty-three this was no mean feat.

After this years' pantomime the society decided to hold theatre workshops for young members, many of these being recruited from Blyth School. The workshops, run by Jeanette Adams, proved to be so popular that friends were soon drawn in and new friends made.

Directors Michael Pearce and Katie Wilson took these enthusiastic youngsters and created an entertaining evening filled with gangsters, dancers and the inevitable guns spreaying foam with gusto.

Central to the cast were Anthony Rea as a brilliant Bugsy Malone, Lucy Greaves as Tallulah, Lewis Linacre as Fat Sam, Natasha Hutchinson as Blousey Brown and Reiss Holmes and Sean Tindle as Dandy Dan and Cagey Joe, all of whom sang and acted their socks off.

A special mention goes to young Callum Rose as Fizzy, the stage-struck floor-sweeper who never gets an audition, whose solo rendition of Tomorrow was incredibly brave and very stylishly delivered.

Other cast members who played Fat Sam’s auditioners and adversaries showed very obvious talents and should be considered for future greater roles.

A lively finale showed just how much these budding actors and singers enjoyed themselves. Keep going Blyth Players and we'll keep coming to watch!

Dates to put in your diary are for the pantomime Sleeping Beauty running 3rd-7th February 2010, the tickets for which will be available from Blyth Post Office or from M. Taylor on 01909 531289.

by Wendy Fidoe