IT was back to 1920s New York gangsters, speakeasies, honky-tonk pianos and splurge-guns for CODYS’ production of Bugsy Malone.

The young performers had a rollicking good time slipping and sliding through a custard-smeared stage at Runcorn’s Brindley Theatre.

Everybody knows Bugsy Malone from the classic movie, a permanent fixture on Christmas TV.

CODYS found new life in the old dog and performed with such energy and enthusiasm that it was hard for audiences to resist.

A tip of the gangster’s trilby must go to CODYS’ director Nick Cupit, choreographer Laura Cupit and musical director Simon Pickup for once more inspiring their young proteges to create a funny, dramatic and lavish show.

There were some brilliant performances, namely Isaac Hartill as Bugsy, Sophia Thomson as Blousey Brown, Ollie White as Fat Sam, Sophie Powell as Tallulah and Harvey Farrell as Fizzy.

Stealing scenes were Jamie Pollard as police chief Captain Smolsky and Richard Connolly as Irish Lieutenant O’Dreary. Their comedy routines were reminiscent of classic Hollywood team Abbott and Costello. Mention too should go to Ieuan Evans who did a marvellously funny scene with a ventriloquist dummy.

The rest of the cast were excellent and the 1920s atmosphere was brilliantly evoked.

CODYS continue to amaze audiences with their stunning shows.

JEREMY CRADDOCK