The Producers
It’s over 20 years since The Producers played in the West End but the creative team at The Menier Chocolate Factory have declared We Can Do It and to prove it they’ve invited the press and a whole galaxy of stars from the stage and screen to Opening Night.
As the lights dim and the orchestra strikes up the usherettes and ensemble introduce us to The King of Broadway – Max Bialystock played by Andy Nyman. Bialystock might be a washout on Broadway, but Nyman is certainly the king of the West End. When Along Comes Bialy his timing is impeccable, and his energy is enough to light the whole stage. From the opening, Nyman has the audience eating from the palm of his hand – he lives by Bialystock mantra “When You Got It, Flaunt It"!
When Bialystock meets accountant Leo Bloom (Marc Antolin) and realises that with a Broadway flop they can make more money than with a hit, he encourages the lanky accountant to declare “I Wanna Be a Producer". Marc is a perfect contrast to the powerhouse of Nyman and brings a loveable nerd to the stage.
Armed with the worse play ever written – Springtime for Hitler, they approach the worst director in town Roger Debris and invite him and his stagey entourages to Keep It Gay – and they certainly do!
Director Patrick Marber hits just the right level of over-the-top madness whilst allowing Harry Morrison to slightly underplay – Franz Liebkind to glorious effect. Liebkind is as mad as a flock of pigeons and seems delighted to share the stage in the Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop with the rest of the coup.
So, Where Did they Go Right? Basically, a great script and music by Mel Brooks, with an amazingly talented cast, and a witty creative team who is never afraid to laugh at themselves or the industry. To top this, the simple but effective set allows the scene changes to move as fast as the rest of the show.
If I was to moan about anything, the big sound of the orchestra seems, at times, lost in the mix. Come on Sound Guys you could push the faders up a little bit!
In the theatre You Never Say 'Good Luck' on Opening Night but in this production at The Garrick Theatre there is no need for luck – The Producers is back where it belongs – in the West End!
This Menier sweet treat is one not to be missed. See it if you can!
This show was reviewed on the 15th September 2025 at The Garrick Theatre, London where it runs until the 21st February 2026. Tickets available here: The Producers West End Tickets | Official Website
Review written by Paul Wood
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Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
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