York Stage Youth are presenting the stage version of Alan Parker's 1976 musical gangster film Bugsy Malone at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, today and tomorrow.

Artistic director Nik Briggs and his production team auditioned more than 100 young performers, aged six to 16, for this tongue-in-cheek look at gang warfare in 1920s America, wherein two gangs comprised completely of children square off in a rivalry.

Dandy Dan's gang has gotten the upper hand since obtaining the "splurge" gun, a weapon that shoots whip cream. Bugsy Malone, a one-time boxer, is thrust reluctantly into the gangster limelight when he becomes the last chance of survival for Fat Sam's gang. All Bugsy wants to do is spend time with his new love Blousey, but alas that ain't on the cards for the hero.

“We choose shows that will stretch our youth members and present them with new artistic and creative challenges every year," says Nik. "We're constantly looking for new talent to work with and develop; indeed we pride ourselves on giving these promising young people a solid grounding in musical theatre that will support them on their journey to professional training and careers in the arts when they're older.

"So that's why the cast range in age from six to 16 with the younger ones taking the leads. That's ambitious, but it's paid off...I hope! Lots of people said six to eight is too young for a production of this scale, but we never like to shy away from a challenge at York Stage."

Sam Roberts is playing Bugsy Malone; Sophie Cox, Tallulah; Oscar Rogers, Fat Sam, and Scarlett Watson, Blousey Brown, and in keeping with the YSM ethos of young achievement, Nik has appointed Ashley Standland as the show's musical director.

Ashley, who you may remember from York Stage’s productions of Sister Act and Annie and in the lead role in The Phantom Of The Opera, is no stranger to waving a baton in front of an orchestra but this is the first time for York Stage. “I’m so thrilled to have been asked to take on this role for this production," says Ashley.

Briggs and Standland are joined in the production team by choreographers Verity Carr and Liz Wriglesworth.

Tickets for the 7.30pm evening shows and 2.30pm Saturday matinee are on sale at £10 to £16 on 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

York Stage Musicals will follow up Bugsy Malone by presenting Legally Blonde at the Grand Opera House, York, from September 7 to 12.