The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is pleased to announce that it will be honouring the 40th birthday of the multi-BAFTA-winning film Bugsy Malone through a public exhibition and events programme this summer at its central London headquarters, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, entitled ‘40 Years of Bugsy Malone’.
To launch the anniversary celebrations, BAFTA will host a special screening of the film featuring a Q&A that reunites four of the extraordinary talents involved in Bugsy Malone – director Alan Parker, producer David Puttnam and actors Dexter Fletcher, Bonnie Langford and Donal Waugh. The event takes places on Wednesday 29 June.
From Friday 5 to Sunday 7 August, ‘BAFTA’s Bugsy Birthday Bash’ will see BAFTA’s iconic Piccadilly home transformed into a den of custard pie capers and splurge gun shenanigans. The free exhibition will explore the making of a masterpiece with behind-the-scenes images, sketches and untold stories. There will also be ticketed film screenings and a Fat Sam’s area with a dressing up box, photo booth, a working splurge gun for splurging and a speakeasy bar. The one remaining original splurge gun from the film will be on display in the exhibition.
Sir Alan Parker, director of Bugsy Malone, said: “I’m always astounded at the ‘legs’ of Bugsy Malone. Hard to think that what started out as a story that I made up for my children on long car journeys has lasted this long, so I’m extra grateful to BAFTA for celebrating the 40th anniversary of its release.”
Kate Farrell, BAFTA’s Exhibitions Manager, said: “BAFTA’s Bugsy birthday bash will offer a memorable experience in London for all ages this summer, presenting three days of activities, events and exhibition content celebrating the magic of this enduring film that continues to spark joy in children and adults alike.”
The birthday celebration reflects the way in which the history and success of Bugsy Malone has been recognised by BAFTA, with the film winning multiple awards, becoming a cult British classic and its director and producer Alan Parker and David Puttnam going on to take up major roles at BAFTA.
‘40 Years of Bugsy Malone’ promises to be fun for all the family – for the young and the young at heart. It is a chance to remember and relive the gloriously catchy songs and irrepressible humour of this BAFTA-nominated film, within the famous walls of another great British institution.
Event details
Launch event: Bugsy Malone Turns 40: A Celebration Screening + Q&A
Wednesday 29 June at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly
18.30 – Introduction and screening of Bugsy Malone in Princess Anne Theatre
20.00 – Onstage Q&A with writer and director Sir Alan Parker, executive producer Lord David Puttnam and actors Dexter Fletcher, Bonnie Langford and David Waugh. Hosted by Justin Johnson, discussing the experience of making the film and what makes it so special
Tickets are priced at £10. To book tickets, go to www.bafta.org/whats-on
BAFTA’s Bugsy Birthday Bash
5-7 August at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly
To book tickets, go to https://www.bafta.org/whats-on/bugsys-40th-birthday-bash
For further information, please contact:
Tabitha Parlett at Margaret
T 020 7739 8203
E [email protected]
Eleanor Pickering at BAFTA
T 020 7292 5863
E [email protected]
