Mel Brooks’ and Thomas Meehan’s The Producers is one of those rare musicals that has achieved the kind of enduring popularity that real world theatre-makers would kill to be a part of. First staged in 2001, it became an instant Broadway hit, earning multiple Tony Awards and setting a high bar for what a musical comedy can achieve. With its dazzling spectacle, sharp satire, and unforgettable songs, The Producers has remained ever popular, while other musicals with such near-the-bone commentary might have found itself cancelled.
Now, in an intimate setting at the Menier Chocolate Factory, this show is being brought to life in a new way—one that might be on a smaller stage, but brings out the sharper comedic edge of the material.
The Menier Chocolate Factory is known for its bold and inventive productions, often reimagining large-scale musicals in more confined spaces. In this version of The Producers, we see the show’s  glitz and gags being reinterpreted for a stage that demands more creativity in staging. Director Patrick Marber has embraced the venue’s small scale, using the space to lean in to the absurdity and farcical nature of the story, while ensuring the energy of the piece remains high.
The design of the production—by Scott Pask—effortlessly bridges the gap between Broadway extravagance and the Menier’s more pared-back space. The set, which makes use of clever minimalist design serves to keep the story’s pace flowing quickly while still evoking the lavishness required by Brooks’ world. The costumes by Paul Farnsworth are similarly fun and creative.
In the lead role of Max Bialystock, Andy Nyman gives a joyous performance, bringing a charisma that resonates with the audience, portraying the character’s desperate greed without losing the warmth that makes him so irresistibly entertaining. Nyman’s timing and delivery in key comedic moments are spot on, ensuring that the audience is in on every joke, no matter how absurd.
Opposite him, the talented Marc Antolin as Leo Bloom provides a delightful contrast. His portrayal of the nervous, eager-to-please accountant is both sweet and hilarious, perfectly capturing the essence of the character’s transformation from mild-mannered to full-fledged producer. The chemistry between the two leads is evident, ensuring that their partnership is the heart of the show.
Joanna Woodward as Ulla steals many of the show’s most interesting moments, bringing a mix of glamorous charm and comedic bravado to the role.  The laughs come hard and fast for Trevor Ashley’s portrayal of Roger De Bris, the flamboyant director of Springtime for Hitler, delivering just the right level of ridiculousness.
Under the direction of Patrick Marber, the pacing of this production feels tight, with each scene moving swiftly (perhaps even too swiftly) from one comic moment to the next.
The smaller space and cast demands quick changes and tight choreography, and the creative team has risen to the challenge, ensuring the transitions never feel jarring. There’s a wonderful rhythm to the show, with moments of slapstick comedy often followed by more nuanced character-driven humor.
Unsurprisingly, this musical about musical theatre is bursting at the seams with witty in-jokes and Easter eggs that the press night audience certainly enjoyed, but even those not in the industry will recognise the gentle japing going on.
The Producers is a comedy about ambition, greed, and the dark side of show business. While the humor is often broad and slapstick, Brooks’ biting satire on fame and the pursuit of success still holds up today. While the material is often absurd, it’s never less than clever and the jokes land with precision, and the humor—which ranges from high camp to more subtle wordplay—feels right at home here.
One of the best versions of The Producers around, this production proves that you don’t need an enormous stage to bring Mel Brooks’ work to life. With a brilliant cast, creative staging, and a fresh take on the material, the show is the kind of hit producers can only dream of.
