Mel Brooks’s 'The Producers' Revived in London with Outrageous Humor and Bold Performances
Patrick Marber's intimate staging at the Menier Chocolate Factory breathes new life into the classic satirical musical, celebrating its enduring sharpness and irreverence.
- Director Patrick Marber retools Mel Brooks’s satirical musical 'The Producers' for the small-scale Menier Chocolate Factory, delivering a production full of mischief and bold humor.
- Andy Nyman and Marc Antolin take on the iconic roles of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom, offering spirited performances despite comparisons to their legendary predecessors.
- The musical retains its provocative edge, featuring a flamboyant and controversial 'Springtime for Hitler' sequence, complete with tap-dancing stormtroopers and swastika-clad pigeons.
- Supporting performances, including Trevor Ashley as Roger De Bris and Joanna Woodward as Ulla, are widely praised for their comedic and theatrical flair.
- Mel Brooks, now 98, remains involved in overseeing the production, which continues to highlight his sharp wit and equal-opportunity satire.