AUDIENCES will be taken on a trip back in time to 1920s New York as talented teenagers from St Columba’s High School put on a dazzling production of Bugsy Malone.

With plenty of twists, turns, gangsters and showgirls, proud parents will be left spellbound by the spectacular three-night run which begins at the Gourock school tonight.

Sharing the starring role of Bugsy are third year pupils Rhys Lambert and Thomas Breslin.

Thomas, 13, said: “When they told me I’d got the part of Bugsy it felt incredible.

“This was the first time I’ve auditioned for a major part in a show.

“It’s fun playing Bugsy as he’s very smug and is quite a tough guy.”

Friends Hannah McLoughlin and Catriona Gallagher, both aged 14, share the role of Blousey.

Hannah said: “It feels good to be part of the show. We’re really lucky.

“The show is fun as it’s children playing adult roles.”

Catriona added: “The show is really wacky and I think people will enjoy it.”

Director Graham Currie, a modern studies teacher at the school, says the children have been working tirelessly before the curtain goes up this evening.

He said: “Audiences can expect a musical which is like a comic book.

“It’s very over-the-top with a lot of silliness, a lot of fun and also a lot of tender and sincere moments too.

“There’s something for everyone.”

Pupils from all year groups have been involved in the show and Mr Currie is keen to thank assistant directors Margaret Paterson, a former teacher at the school, and English teacher Gill Sullivan.

Tickets for the show, which runs at 7.30pm each night until Friday, are £7 and can be booked by calling 715250.