A major London revival of Mel Brooks’ musical adaptation of THE PRODUCERS is now playing at the Garrick Theatre
The Producers last played in London’s West End at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane from 2004 – 2007, starring Nathan Lane, reprising his Broadway role of Max. He wasn’t supposed to be playing the role but four days before previews began, Richard Dreyfuss was let go from the production.
Now, eighteen years later and following a smash-hit sold-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, this ridiculously funny comedy musical is back in the West End and it truly is the tonic we all need in our lives right now.
Based on the classic cult film from 1967, the original Broadway production won a record twelve Tony Awards when it opened in 2001.
Down-on-his-luck Broadway producer Max Bialystock schemes with timid accountant Leo Bloom to create the biggest flop in theatre history – only to have it backfire spectacularly, and with thunderous applause when playwright and leading man Franz Liebkind ‘breaks a leg’ just before opening night begins, causing flamboyant Director Roger de Bris to step in and play the part at the last minute, with hilarious consequences.
Even as I look through the cast list while I write this review, I can’t help but chuckle to myself.
Theatre veteran Andy Nyman is ridiculously talented in everything he does and is no different here as leading man Max Bialystock.
As sidekick Leo Bloom, Marc Antolin is the perfect balance as the quirky, Frank Spencer type character who is scared of his own shadow but always eager to please.
Trevor Ashley’s Roger de Bris is sidesplittingly funny. I think the phrase ‘camp as tits’ is fitting here. Trevor is a natural talent with ‘funny bones’, which is hugely complimented by Raj Ghatak as his assistant Carmen Ghia.
Harry Morrison gives a class performance as German playwright, Franz Liebkind, writer of the musical ‘Springtime For Hitler‘, which Max and Leo decide is the worst show ever written and a guaranteed Broadway flop. There is some very cute, clever and creative use of pigeon puppetry in these scenes as well which is worth the ticket price alone.
Joanna Woodward is perfect as Ulla, the eastern european aspiring actress who has all the assets Max is looking for. Her cheeky ‘Carry On’ type character is full of suggestiveness and delightful mispronunciations.
Teeming with Mel Brooks’ signature humour, The Producers couldn’t make for a better night out.
★★★★★
West End Wilma
The Producers is currently booking until 21 February, 2026
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