The Producers ★★★★ Menier Chocolate Factory | Nov 26, 2024 - Mar 1, 2025


There aren't many shows that one is happy to see over and over again, but Mel Brooks' comic masterpiece is one of them. In a time when grifters seem to be taking over the world, this terrific restaging of Brooks' send-up of the Broadway theatrical milieu is simply hilarious. The premise is simple: shady entrepreneur, Max Bialystock, is inspired by his neurotic, introverted accountant, Leopold Bloom, to put on the worst show imaginable in order to swindle his investors. And, their search to find said show results in the production of Springtime for Hitler written by a pigeon-fancying ex-Nazi, directed by an impossibly camp director and starring the twosome's statuesque, but not very talented, Swedish secretary. Andy Nyman as Bialystock puts in a first rate performance and his solo "Betrayed" deserves its ovation. Nyman also does a delightful job of playing off against Marc Antolin's extraordinary performance as the nerdy Bloom. Their duet "'Til Him" is surprisingly touching, and with Antolin's great dancing, strong voice and impeccable characterisation, his performance is definitely award-worthy. Despite the intermittent nature of her Swedish accent, Joanna Woodward does a fine job as Ulla, the object of both partners' romantic desire, and Harry Morrison as the bonkers playwright, Franz Liebkind is wonderfully preposterous. Playing Roger De Bris, the director of the dramatic fiasco the would-be con artists have produced, Trevor Ashley brilliantly squeezes every laugh out of his role. With just an arched eyebrow he can draw a chuckle. Full marks also to Director Patrick Marber and Choreographer Lorin Latarro. They cleverly used the limited space available for a show which cries out for some big production numbers. It is also refreshing to see the fourth wall broken in a way that is both effective and thematically appropriate. For some memorable melodies, polished singing and dancing, and deeply satisfying laughter-filled moments, look no further than this top-notch revival of The Producers.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Manuel Harlan

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