The Producers stand the test of time
“The Producers is a dazzling, laugh-out-loud revival that’s both spectacular and, at times, eyebrow-raising.”
STAR RATING: ⭐⭐⭐
THEATRE: Garrick Theatre
DATES: August 30, 2025 - September, 2026
As someone who went into this musical completely blind, I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Producers. What I got was a bold, brash, and outrageously camp revival that had the audience howling with laughter, even if its subject matter occasionally made me squirm. This is a show that thrives on excess, satire, and spectacle, and the new West End production delivers it in spades.
Here are five reasons why it’s worth seeing:
1. The Story
Max Bialystock, a washed-up Broadway producer, and Leo Bloom, a timid accountant, hatch a scheme to make their fortune by producing a guaranteed flop. Their answer? A musical called Springtime for Hitler. What follows is an over-the-top satire of showbiz, greed, and bad taste, written in the 1960s but still shocking and hilarious today.
2. The Cast
The chemistry between Andy Nyman (Max Bialystock) and Mark Antolin (Leo Bloom) is nothing short of electric. Nyman oozes sleazy charm, while Antolin transforms from a panic-ridden accountant to a surprisingly slick conman by Act I’s end. Joanna Woodward (Ulla) adds glamour and comic bite, while Trevor Ashley (Roger De Bris) and Harry Morrison (Franz Liebkind) deliver some of the show’s most laugh-out-loud moments.
3. The Music
If you love big, brassy Broadway show tunes, this score is for you. From the iconic Springtime for Hitler to the ambitious I Wanna Be a Producer and the camp anthem Keep It Gay, the songs are funny, catchy, and delivered with spectacular choreography. They perfectly capture that golden-era Broadway feel which is glitzy, glamorous, and impossible to resist.
4. Costumes & Choreography
Think sequins, wigs, and tongue-in-cheek excess. While the leads keep things simple in suits, the supporting cast dazzles in outrageous costumes, particularly during Springtime for Hitler. The choreography makes even small numbers visually engaging, with sharp blocking and lightning-fast delivery ensuring the jokes land every time.
5. The Humor
This is the element that divides audiences. The Producers’ humor is knowingly offensive, written to shock and satirise. Some will find it hilarious, others uncomfortable - I often felt both at once. But there’s no denying that Mel Brooks’ irreverence is what gives this show its cult status, and this revival leans into that legacy unapologetically.
I admire this production for its energy, sharp performances, and full-throttle commitment to camp comedy. While the subject matter doesn’t always resonate with me personally, I can see why The Producers remains a beloved classic. For longtime fans, this may be the best version yet; for newcomers, prepare yourself for a wild, outrageous ride.
Catch it at the Garrick Theatre before September 2026, this is a West End revival people will be talking about for years.
