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It’s nigh on 50 years since Alan Parker cast kids as gangsters, replaced guns with cream pies, and turned the story of mob rule and prohibition into a musical.

Must confess, I don’t think I’ve seen it since its 1976 release, but it does have an enduring appeal after launching the careers of Jodie Foster and Scott Baio.

The style which underpinned his directorial debut has been picked up by this touring theatre show which captures the unique style and atmosphere of that era.

Its young cast grab their splurge guns and give it their all, and if it doesn’t all quite come off, there’s plenty in here for a perfect family friendly show.

The world of gangsters has never looked such fun - it’s got everything from dancing girls to slapstick comedy in a tale of rival mafia bosses going head to head over a consignment of the all-important splurge guns.

The first half needed a jolt from time to time - it is dialogue heavy - but the second half is where it came fully to life with a glorious boxing gym dance scene that was imaginative and slick.

Indeed, the choreography of Drew McOnie throughout was excellent, while the young leads came into their own when they stepped into the spotlight.

There’s a lot to commend in this show - one that finishes with real zest and cuts loose for a great finale.

Bugsy Malone is at the Playhouse until Saturday

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/bugsy-malone/edinburgh-playhouse/

Bugsy Malone: The Musical - Edinburgh Playhouse: splurge guns at the ready