A musical about gangsters - that's what film director Alan Parker had in mind when he conceived his mould-breaking film back in 1976.

Since then it has made the transition to successful global stage show.

In the cinema the roles were all played by children now - on stage - an adult ensemble add to the fun and comic capers.

Famously the guns didn't have bullets but a gungy liquid 'splurge'.

Custard pies were back-up amunition.

Bugsy Malone is back ... bigger and better than ever on this major UK tour with a very slick production directed by Sean Holmes with sparkling choreography from Drew MeOnie.

Not so much slippery goo this time, but firecracker sounds and your imagination do the rest in a fast-paced two-hour show including interval.

The key roles are alternated throughout the run by a diverse bunch of very talented performers.

It is set in the prohibition of the roaring 20s in New York on an impressive Big Apple urban warehouse set which converts into Fat Sam's Speak Easy club, Sluggers boxing gym and a quayside warehouse.

Fat Sam '(Isham Sankoh) and his gang of half-witted mobsters take on equally dim rivals led by Dandy Dan (Kit Cranson) who have acquired state-of'the'art firearms.

At the core of the story is our hero Bugsy - played by Shaun Sharma - and his romance with wannabee singer Blousey - a confident Delilah Bennett-Cardy.

Her solo on the ballad Ordinary Fool is one of many highlights.

The feisty Bad Guys and So You Wanna be A Boxer are also bonus visual treats.

The songs by master songwriter Paul Williams are timeless - just what every musical needs featuring a host of catchy tunes and lyrics that stay with you long after the show is over.

Our glamorous narrator is the seductress Talullah (Alicia Belgrade) who adds real charisma.

And full marks to the scene-stealing Babyface (Kayla-Mai Alvares).

There is a cracking fizzing finale where the happy cast urge the audience to get on their feet for an electric encore.

The inspirational words of Paul Wiliams leave their mark: "You're going to be remembered for the things that you say and do."

Well, this vibrant version of Bugsy Malone certainly won't be forgotten.

Verdict:

Four stars: Fantastic feel-good family fun

The show is at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday.

Tickets from atgtickets.com/liverpool