The stage version of Alan Parker's world-famous 1976 movie, Bugsy Malone which launched the careers of Hollywood stars Jodie Foster and Scott Baio, will be performed at the Paget Rooms by Penarth Operatic & Dramatic Youth Society (PODyS) in July.

Last month, the adult section of PODS had audiences cheering and clapping for more after each performance of their sell-out production of the Mel Brooks musical The Producers and now, as part of the Society's Centenary celebrations, it's the turn of the younger members to bring some more theatrical magic to Penarth.

Led by a hugely talented, 39 strong cast of 5-to-16 year olds, PODyS production of Bugsy Malone is pure theatrical escapism. Packed with instantly recognisable songs from Oscar winner Paul Williams including "My Name is Tallulah", "You Give a Little Love" and "Fat Sam's Grand Slam" it's a masterclass of musical comedy.

The setting is the prohibition era, New York. A city full of mobsters, showgirls and dreamers. Rival gangster bosses, Fat Sam and Dandy Dan are at loggerheads. The custard pies are flying and Dandy Dan's gang has gotten the upper hand since obtaining the new-fangled "splurge" gun. Now Fat Sam and his bumbling buffoons are in real trouble.

Enter Bugsy Malone, a penniless one-time boxer and all-round nice guy. All Bugsy really wants to do is spend time with his new love, Blousey, but will he be able to resist the seductive songstress, Tallulah, and stay out of trouble long enough to help Fat Sam defend his business?

Speaking about Penarth Operatic & Dramatic Youth Society, Mary Gardner, PODS Chairman said "Children and young people have always been a central part of PODS and early last year we decided to develop a more structured approach. So we created PODyS which has enabled us to offer our junior members an opportunity to learn skills in all different aspects of theatre. We are thrilled to have such a talented group of young people and to see all of their hard work coming to life on stage in Bugsy Malone. "

PODyS now has over 40 members and its team of experienced tutors run weekly classes so that their students are trained and inspired to deliver performances to the same high standard as PODS adult productions. Bugsy Malone will be PODyS first full-scale musical and you can see it at the Paget Rooms from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th July. Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/pods