The Producers | Short Review

There is still plenty to savour about Mel Brooks’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Producers, revived in Patrick Marber’s pretty conventional but wonderfully intimate production at the Menier Chocolate Factory. There are some fine performances from the lead players – not least Andy Nyman and Marc Antolin – although perhaps the real star is Lorin Latarro’s fabulous choreography.

Latarro manages to mix the nostalgic and contemporary in a whole host of production numbers that are reminiscent of Fred Astaire/Gene Kelly Golden Age movie musicals. Elsewhere, though, the 23-year-old show is showing its age. Bring on the stagey content, in-jokes and satire – yes, but there are some attitudes towards gender and sexuality that just seem unpalatable in the #MeToo era.

The Producers is booking at the Menier Chocolate Factory, London until 1 March 2025 – for information and tickets, visit menierchocolatefactory.com

PRODUCTION CREDITS

The Producers by Mel Brooks (music, lyrics, book), Thomas Meehan (book)

Menier Chocolate Factory, London, 10 December 2024

Cast Marc Antolin, Andy Nyman, Joanna Wood, Raj Ghatak, Trevor Ashley et al

Directed by Patrick Marber

You can read our full review in the February issue of Musicals magazine, on sale 31 January – consider subscribing today!