MUSICAL REVIEW: The Producers ★★★★

From the first note at London’s Garrick Theatre, The Producers returns in magnificent style, a rollicking revival that upholds Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan’s uproarious masterpiece. Under the irrepressible direction of Patrick Marber, this West End transfer of the Menier Chocolate Factory hit is equal parts wit, energy, and satire.

Leading the charge is Andy Nyman as Max Bialystock, whose manic ambition and comedic timing are electric, brilliantly matched by Marc Antolin as the nervously idealistic Leo Bloom. Their chemistry anchors the chaos, giving emotional heft to the absurdity. Trevor Ashley as Roger DeBris is flamboyant, uproarious, and utterly unforgettable, while Raj Ghatak as Carmen Ghia provides delicious camp contrast. Harry Morrison inhabits Franz Liebkind with an anarchic intensity, and Joanna Woodward as Ulla is charmingly naïve and vocally radiant.

Visually and aurally, the show is sumptuous. The creative team—choreographer Lorin Latarro, set designer Scott Pask, costume designer Paul Farnsworth, and lighting designer Tim Lutkin—deliver a sumptuous aesthetic that elevates every number. Sound designer Paul Groothius, wigs/hair & makeup by Betty Martini, and musical direction by Matthew Samer (with musical supervision/dance arrangement by Gareth Valentine, orchestrations by Larry Blank & Mark Cumberland) all combine to make the score shine. Ensemble players—from Alex Lodge (Storm Trooper) to Kelsie‑Rae Marshall, Megan Armstrong, Gabrielle Cocca (Dance Captain), and the rest of the excellent cast—bolster every gag, dance break and song with precision and flair.

The Producers at the Garrick is loud, lavish, outrageous—and it knows exactly when to pull its punches to deliver both laughs and resonance. It’s a sumptuous evening of showbiz spectacle, satire and sheer musical joy. For fans of theatre, comedy, and unrestrained fun, this production is absolutely essential.