IF you haven’t already got a ticket to see Bugsy Malone at Bath’s Theatre Royal I’d strongly urge you to go and buy one.

The first-ever UK touring production of Alan Parker’s modern musical classic Bugsy Malone opened on July 2 and is set to run to Saturday, July 23.

If you are lucky enough to obtain a ticket, you will – quite literally – be watching a cast of 39 young performers who are more than likely to become huge ‘stars’ in the future.

Released in 1976, Bugsy Malone was Sir Alan Parker’s first feature film. It launched the careers of Jodie Foster and Scott Baio. This major stage revival features a talented young company of 39 actors, including three teams of seven children, aged from nine to 15 years, as well as adult performers.

The lead roles will be performed by three young casts in rotation with Shaun Sharma, Gabriel Payne and Amar Blackman as Bugsy Malone; Mia Lakha, Delilah Bennett-Cardy and Avive Williams as Blousey Brown; Albie Snelson, Isham Sankoh and Charlie Burns as Fat Sam; Taziva-Faye Katsande, Jasmine Sakyiama and Fayth Ifil as Tallulah; Aidan Oti, Jamie Northey-Dennis and Ellis Sutherland as Fizzy; Cherry Mitra, Kayla-Mai Alvares and Ava Hope Smith as Lena/Babyface and Rayhaan Kufuor-Gray, Kit Cranston and Desmond Cole as Dandy Dan.

In Tuesday’s performance, we were lucky enough to see Gabriel Payne (Bugsy), Mia Lakha (Blousey), Albie Snelson (Fat Sam), Jasmine Sakyiama (Tallulah), Aidan Oti (Fizzy), Cherry Mitra (Lena/Babyface) and Desmond Cole (Dandy Dan).

They are supported by an ensemble team including Georgia Pemberton, Alisha Capon, Lucy Young, D’Mia Lindsay Walker, Jessica Daugrida, Alicia Ally, Alicia Belgarde, Esme Bacalla-Hayes, Luchia Moss, Kalifa Burton, Rory Fraser, Andilé Mabhena, Thomas Walton, Ru Fisher, Mohamed Bangura, Marcus Billany, Luke Mills and Will Lucas.

You are going to see and hear a lot more about these youngsters, many of whom are already making a huge name for themselves on stage, in film, in television shows, and in radio and TV advertisements

Credit should also go to director Sean Holmes, choreographer Drew McOnie, stage designer Jon Bausor, musical director Connagh Tonkinson, musical supervisor, arranger and orchestrator Phil Bateman, associate director Franny-Anne Rafferty, associate choreographer Leanne Pinder, lighting designer Phil Gladwell, sound designer Ben Harrison, wig designer Susannah Peretz and casting directors Verity Noughton and Will Burton. Together, they have created a show that is a joy to watch from beginning to end.

Packed with instantly recognisable songs from Oscar-winner Paul Williams including My Name is Tallulah, You Give A Little Love and Fat Sam’s Grand Slam, Bugsy Malone has one of the most joyously uplifting finales in musical theatre.

In the capable hands of these young professionals, it becomes an unforgettable theatrical experience. I can honestly say it was one of the best productions I have ever seen at the Theatre Royal. Don’t miss it.

Tickets are on sale at the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 and online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk