The Producers
I have been wanting to see The Producers for so long, and was looking forward to this version especially as I’ve loved so many productions from the Menier Chocolate Factory. This classic musical, with a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Brooks, is full of fantastic numbers and clever, sharp dialogue.
The plot revolves around a down-and-out producer, Max Bialystock, and his timid accountant, Leo Bloom, who get elderly women to invest in a deliberately awful musical. It’s worth noting that the production features swastikas on stage and the infamous number “Springtime for Hitler,” so it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
The stage, a long and shallow proscenium, mirrors the traditional feel of Broadway stages, which tend to be less deep than those in the West End. While this gives the production a slightly am-dram aesthetic, there’s nothing amateur about it. The live band, situated high on either side of the stage, adds vibrancy to the performance.
The choreography by Lorin Latarro is ingenious. One standout moment is a tap routine featuring a chorus of elderly women using Zimmer frames—both creative and hilarious. Another is the pigeons, puppeted by cast members in black catsuits, which added a more playful, off-Broadway charm to the scene.
The production sets the tone brilliantly, capturing a nostalgic Hollywood-Broadway feel from the outset. The classic showbiz glamour is evident in the costumes, choreography, and velvet curtains. A standout example is the goose-stepping kick lines, which, while deliberately provocative, evoke the over-the-top style of old Hollywood musicals with a satirical twist.
One particularly comical moment involves a character dressed as a marble statue in a catsuit with an emphasised prosthetic addition. The ladies sitting next to me were crying with laughter as the statue bounced and moved, much to the audience's amusement.
The show is filled with nods to other popular musicals, and fans will surely recognise more than a few references. The two leads, Andy Nyman as Max Bialystock and Marc Antolin as Leo Bloom, have great chemistry. Antolin’s considerable height difference from Nyman lends itself to plenty of physical comedy. As their characters grow, so does their on-stage rapport, making the audience truly feel for them, whether it's because of their misadventures or simply seeing Leo finally wear the hat.
Harry Morrison is hilarious as Franz Liebkind, the eccentric playwright who talks to pigeons, wears lederhosen, and delivers a show-stopping rendition of “Have You Ever Heard the German Band?” Even when performing with a leg cast, Morrison embodies his character with gusto.
Joanna Woodward shines as Ulla, delivering a strong Swedish accent and an even stronger singing voice. Trevor Ashley dazzles as Roger De Bris, with some show-stopping moments and marvellous costumes, while Raj Ghatak as Carmen Ghia provides excellent support as his assistant. Their pairing leads to some delightful interactions. A particular stroke of genius comes in the introduction of the choreographer, who makes his entrance not with grandeur but by simply demonstrating gestures and movements with his hands—an understated but brilliant touch.
The Producers is a shocking, hilarious, and brilliantly performed production that brings Mel Brooks’ iconic humour to life. Fans of the original film or musical theatre in general are in for a treat.
This show was reviewed on the 10th December 2024 at the Menier Chocolate Factory, London where it runs until the 1st March 2025. Tickets available here: Buy The Producers tickets | Menier Chocolate Factory Official Box Office
Review written by Valentine Gale-Sides
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Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
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