Producers

Garrick Theatre

Playing until 21st February 2026

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Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

Following a disastrous opening and early closure of Funny Boy after a single night, the show’s Producer, Max Bialystock (Andy Nyman) vows a return as the King of Broadway. However, following a shocking discovery that a producer could make more money from flops than hits, and together with his accountant that dreams of becoming a Broadway producer, Leo Bloom (Marc Antolin), the two produce a show of their own to con investors into the worst show ever.

The production that Max and Leo landed on was Springtime for Hitler: A Gay Romp with Adolf and Eva at Berchtesgaden, written as a tribute to Adolf Hitler by an ex-Nazi soldier, Franz (Harry Morrison). While the two hoped for this deeply offensive and utterly bizarre play to crash and burn, mishaps on opening night led to the performance to be delivered by the flamboyant Director of the show, Roger De Bris (Trevor Ashley), which caused the audience to mistaken the show as satire. When this theatrical spectacle is coupled with a spirited and high camp number like “Springtime for Hitler and surreal choreography by Lorin Latarro, it is no wonder the show was made into an instantaneously smash hit for both the made belief and real-life audiences.

Mel Brooks’s book, music and lyrics not only stood the test of time, it resonates with the audience like never before, where satirical jokes now litter the modern political landscape. Through this relatable connection and just like the people that watched Springtime for Hitler, the audience here is able to completely embrace the ridiculousness of this surreal story.

A key aspect that underlines this production’s success is its ability to invent and incorporate novel elements to keep up with the humour and excitement throughout the entirety of the show, which is no simple feat given the script jumps from scene to scene without pause and relies on sheer creativity to keep hold of the audience’s attention. Perhaps because of the success for the majority of the show, the more sincere and even heartfelt return of Leo towards the end felt flat when compared to what the earlier portion of the production achieved.

Taking centre stage, Nyman oozes with charisma and leading man energy, convincing both elder ladies to invest in his show and the audience to fully invest in the lies he whisks up. Supported by Antolin, this dynamic duo delivers a stage shattering performance. Accompanying them is Joanna Woodward, Max’s hilarious and sexy Swedish secretary, Ulla. A vocal powerhouse, Woodward’s delivery of “When You’ve Got It, Flaunt It” adds a whole new dimension to the pizzazz of this show.

This show is not complete without the colourful glamour through the set and lighting designed by Scott Pask and Tim Lutkin, respectively. These creative elements dial the campness of surrealism to max, daring the audience not to be blinded by the showbiz spectacle.

Even though the characters set out to create the worst show in history, Mel Brooks and the excellent creatives and performers of this revival made sure the opposite would come true. Forget convincing a few old ladies for money, Nyman and Antolin could sell ice to Eskimos.

Creatives

Book, Music and Lyrics: Mel Brooks

Director: Patrick Marber

Musical Director: Matthew Samer

Lighting Designer: Tim Lutkin

Sound Designer: Paul Groothuis

Set Designer: Scott Pask

Choreographer: Lorin Latarro

Wigs, Hair and Makeup Designer: Betti Marini

Costume Designer: Paul Farnsworth