To be a part of such a memorable and messy extravaganza has been extraordinary.

From its conception to the final production of ‘Bugsy Malone’ it has nearly been a year. It started with a suggestion during last year’s production, which took root and blossomed into a script by the start of this academic year.

Just before Christmas the auditions were held and the major parts given out. The Bugsy club was formed and the students started to learn their lines and receive a few acting lessons. The other parts were cast and every one received their scripts just before Chinese New Year. Other events and activities happened and then we started practicing in the hall. It is hard to believe that this was only a few weeks ago.

We came off timetable on Mon- day 21st to live and breathe our characters and to learn our cues. Then all of a sudden it was Thursday and the day of the production. It started with our dress rehearsal in the afternoon and finished with the telling of the story of Bugsy Malone

in the evening, a play very loosely based on events in Nanjing during the Prohibition era. Bugsy our hero tries to help Fat Sam defeat his archrival Dandy Dan and his despicable Hoods. Bugsy meets a lot of colourful characters throughout the play and tries to befriend a girl called Blousey. However the final message is that they can all be friends and Bugsy and Blousey leave for a new life in Shanghai.

I am extremely proud of all the hard work and endeavor our students from Years 4 to 8 showed and I can clearly state it all paid off. With tremendous performances all round we were left with excitement and pride thinking of all the high standard of acting abilities we have at the British School. It must however be said without the hard work of the teaching staff this would not have been possible. I must of course thank the Middle School team but would like to mention a few other individuals in particular; Mr. McVey for all his hard work with the music, Mrs. Pinney for sets and props, Mr. Burrows for all his ideas and suggestions and finally Mr. Shephard for all his work with light and sound.

As a science teacher I have never had the opportunity to organise a school production before but I must say it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my teaching career to date. Well done to everyone and no more custard pies in my face please!