IN theatrical terms, it was nothing short of miraculous.

There were more than 200 youngsters and less than two weeks in which to produce a show every bit as good as most of the touring productions usually found gracing the Mayflower stage.

Thirties style, songs and splurge were everywhere as every inch of the auditorium was used to full effect to create a spectacular version of the gangster musical with a fantastic backdrop of the secret bars of the Big Apple.

Right from the moment dozens of suited lads carrying guns and girls in glamorous gowns caused a stir running, dancing, screaming and shouting their way through the stalls, the near capacity audience were spellbound.

Welcome to Prohibition era New York where Fat Sam (brilliantly portrayed by Tom Hopgood) runs the best speakeasy in town until rival Dandy Dan (George Shrapnell, an amusingly ridiculous villain) threatens to put him out of business.

Step forward heart throb Bugsy Malone (the seriously smooth Chance Perdomo, a star in the making) to save the day while winning the heart of showgirl Blousey Brown (the beautifully voiced Tamlin Morgan).

The ensemble pieces were a particular triumph – the hand jiving of Down & Out, the fabulous ringside moves of So You Wanna Be A Boxer, the overwhelming sound of the catchy Fat Sam’s Grand Slam and the all out joyfulness of You Give A Little Love.

All credit to chief executive and director Michael Ockwell and his team who put on an incredibly ambitious show with not a hair out of place and not a note out of tune.

This talented group of ten to 18-year-olds, who extended to the musicians and technicians, deserved every second of their lengthy standing ovation.