After The Applause

The Producers at Menier Chocolate Factory is a delightful, joyous, camp revival of Mel Brooks classic 1967 film and 2001 musical version with a brilliant cast, lavish costume design but a rather confusing (and often) underwhelming set

When I saw that this production was completely sold out I knew I was in for a treat. I had never really heard of The Producers before (film or musical) and decided to keep the contents of the play a complete surprise. I am unsure whether this was wise or foolish, as I soon discovered that this wasn’t cheesy and American but rather a black, satirical and often borderline comedic musical spectacular! The beginning song (Opening Night) got me very excited, especially as (due to the Meniers very small auditorium) I had actors all around me.

Then we were introduced to the brilliant Andy Lyman as Max Bialystock, who (in my opinion) gave an absolutely stellar performance. He was perfectly cast, and even did some brilliantly timed fourth wall breaks, and has a lovely singing voice as well. Marc Antolin was next as the nervous wreck Leo Bloom, an accountant who plants the profitable flop idea into Max’s head. Marc really grew (I think more because of Leo’s character arc) into the show and received a lot of cheering and shouting for a well rounded, professional portrayal.

Now I have tried to avoid it..but I have to talk about the show they decide to use as their flop for Broadway, when you haven’t done any reading up on the show this can really shock you when they announce the title (as it did to me). They select ‘Springtime For Hitler” written by the eccentric feurer super fan Franz Liebekind. I think that the show deals with this topic well, they clearly make sure it is right on the borderline and I feel it never spills over into insensitive and rude. Harry Morrison is the perfect Franz, his German accent is perfect and the stance and voice made it very funny. They select the director Roger De Bris (played by Trevor Ashley) and cast the Swedish actress Ulla Swanson (Joanna Woodward). The building of the play is utterly hilarious and I found myself crying with laughter, especially at Franz and Rogers comedic introduction scenes into the play.

Act 2 lets us see the monstrosity of Springtime Over Hitler, with its golden bratwurst and pretzels and Roger De Bris as a Hitler that arrives in a golden chariot and covered in flowers. This part of the show was hilarious, it’s rare to see an audience laughing in unison. Then the dilemma, as the show goes from comedic to quite serious, when the show doesn’t flop but it flies! We see a worried Max Bialystock go to jail and the nervous Leo steals his dream and flies to Rio with Ulla. This is where the set lets this production down, it was simply a scaffolding set adorned in lights. meaning that the transformations from theatre to office to rio, where underwhelming and bland. It is a shame but I do feel most of the budget went into the amazing costumes and the hugely detailed props.

As the play ends with the delightful finalé, I fly to my feet to begin the Mexican wave of people rising to give it a well deserved standing ovation.

MY VERDICT:

The Menier Chocolate Factory put on a lovely production, whilst extremely topical it is very clear why the producers is popular. I wouldn’t say its contents are for everyone but if you enjoy black comedy and musicals, this is the perfect show for you!

My stand out performers were Trevor Ashley, Harry Morrison and Andy Nyman

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Producers plays at the Menier Chocolate Factory (London) until the 1st March 2025. However it is all sold out. Let’s hope for a west end transfer 🤞

Thursday 6th March Update! –

I am absolutely delighted to confirm that it has been announced that The Producers has been transferred to the Garrick Theatre in the West End and what is even more brilliant is that the whole cast are going with it. Tickets on sale now! where did they go right?!