Garrick Theatre – until 21 February 2026
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
5*****
Patrick Marber’s fantastic production of Mel Brooks’s hit play/musical/film transfers to the West End and everything the Menier run got right shines even brighter on the bigger stage of the Garrick. This is a show packed with insane characters, crazy comedy, brilliant visual gags, catchy tunes and OTT performances – guaranteed to have audiences roaring with laughter.
The story of the unlikely partnership of failed Broadway producer Max Bialystock (Andy Nyman) whose every show is a flop, and accountant Leo Bloom (Marc Antolin) is still an absolute blast. When Leo realises that the surefire way to make a profit is to produce a show that will close on opening night, they plot to produce the worst show Broadway has ever seen. Springtime for Hitler: A Gay Romp with Adolf and Eva at Berchtesgaden by Franz Liebkind fits the bill, and in the hands of the worst director they know, Roger De Bris (Trevor Ashley) everything goes right – too right – as the audience love the all-singing, all-dancing Führer.
Brooks and fellow writer Thomas Meehan’s humour never offends in this production, as jokes, whether aimed at Jews, Nazis, gays, or sexist tropes are all delivered with a gleeful shrug and wink as the biggest joke is on the theatrical nonsense.
The cast are incredible. Andy Nyman is on fire and makes the sleezy Max pathetic, loveable, and very, very funny. His chemistry with Marc Antolin’s sweet but determined Bloom is wonderful, and each moment the pair share on stage is a delight. And their voices! Throwing a spanner into this relationship is the fabulous Joanna Woodward as Ulla. Trevor Ashley is superb as the preening De Bris, wringing laughs from every gesture and glance to the audience as Raj Ghatak brilliantly grimaces in distaste as his warring partner Carmen. Harry Morrison’s unhinged Fritz is unmissable. The wonderful ensemble is full of energy and pull off every silly gag and knowing look with glee.
There is an array of visual gags in the background – Fritz’s pigeons almost steal the show, and this production’s version of Springtime for Hitler is gloriously daft, with Trevor Ashley’s entrance drawing howls of laughter that build as his Hitler works the audience.
Scott Pask’s set enables swift changes between Maz’s office, Roger’s glamorous apartment and Fritz’s rooftop. Paul Farnsworth’s costumes are simply glorious and Lorin Latarro’s superb choreography is wonderfully old-school and silly – the little old ladies dance is inspired.
Bold, bonkers and simply brilliant, The Producers is the funniest show in town.