THE annual show at a Forest secondary school will take audiences back to Prohibition era America with a production based on one of the most-loved films of all time. 

The production of Bugsy Malone at Dene Magna School features a different cast playing the principal characters each night of the show which runs from tonight (Wednesday) until Friday.

The production at the Mitcheldean school even features the notorious splurge guns which cover ‘victims’ in foam. 

The show is based on the 1976 film, which featured an all-child cast in the story of the battle for power between Fat Sam and Dandy Dan.  

It also features a large number of Year Seven students, the youngest in the school. 

Head of drama Mr Chris Wynn explained: “We’re really impressed with the calibre of students coming to us and we wanted to give everyone the chance to shine in this, which is the idea behind the three casts so all of the principal roles are split  between three different people. 

“The show is fun and exciting and the idea of splurge guns was a new kind of challenge which we think audiences will enjoy.” 

The annual show – which has previously included such crowd pleasers as Grease and Little Shop of Horrors – demands a lot of commitment from everyone involved both on stage and behind the scenes. 

As well as the acting roles, students are involved in many areas of the production such as lighting, sound and props. 

Mr Wynn said: “It’s a massive commitment for everyone but every year they do so well.  

“We have high expectations of them and really push them in rehearsal and they respond to it really well 

“There are after school rehearsals and we’ve been rehearsing on Sundays for the last month or so – it’s a big commitment from everyone in the company.”