The Producers WEST END

I saw this production again in its new West End home this week. It still cracks me up so much. Mel Brooks should be proud that there's still a desire for this musical and that it will hopefully last long after he's gone. As for the production itself, it definitely feels different in a bigger house than when I saw it at the Menier last year. That said, it was meant to be on a bigger stage. Andy Nyman is PERFECT as Max. He really embodies the character as his own, while still incorporating comedic elements reminiscent of those used by Nathan Lane when he created the role for the stage. Marc Antolin's Leo Bloom is fresh and spinebendingly funny! Aside from those two, Trevor Ashley as Roger? HOLY HELL! I don't think I have laughed so hard during a show as with his performances of "Keep it Gay" and "Springtime for Hitler." In these challenging times, we need comedic musicals like this one. I love how the director Patrick Marber scaled it down to focus primarily on the writing rather than big flashy sets. I have no doubt this production is bound for Broadway soon. Probably sooner than you think. The night I went, I spotted Jeffery Seller in the audience. So hopefully, we will see Bialistock and Bloom back on Broadway. I think it would be perfect to have this revival back in New York just in time for Mel Brooks' 100th birthday. Anyway, has anyone seen this production yet, or are they planning on seeing it?

Most dates this month right now are sold anywhere between 60-70% with many a bit beyond that for next week.  That's pretty typical for a lot of shows, particularly musicals, in London right now, even those with strong reviews.

It's the time of year when things feel a bit flat.  I don't think any show has "must see" buzz among the masses. And for plays, quite a few of those recently open have received lukewarm reviews and mixed reactions.

Updated On: 10/5/25 at 05:35 AM

I saw this on my trip to London last month (along with "Les Miserables" and "Starlight Express").  I saw the matinee the day before opening night.  Absolutely adored it!  I had never seen the show on stage and think I only saw about half of the movie, but it was so much fun, and the cast was wonderful!  Nyman, Antolin, and Ashley were all standouts!

BoringBoredBoard40 said: "this is likely coming to broadway with a different cast in the same production"

Well this would be a travesty because I’m currently on vacation in the UK and was lucky enough to snag a last minute ticket and Andy Nyman, Trevor Ashley and Joanne Woodward are three of the biggest reasons to see this production. They truly embody the spirit of what Nathan Lane, Cady Huffman and the late Gary Beach (RIP) brought to these characters but they also find ways to make it their own. On top of this, it’s kind of crazy how this production has added so many new jokes while simultaneously elevating some of the classic ones we come to know and love. It’s truly genius what they’ve done with it. Yes it’s much smaller and very different than the original production but it still delivers the big laughs we come to expect with The Producers

I am shocked at how much better and funnier the show feels now in the west end transfer vs menier. Not sure if it was the theatre size or if the performances have actually evolved but the show is absolutely hilarious. 

binau said: "I am shocked at how much better and funnier the show feels now in the west end transfer vs menier. Not sure if it was the theatre size or if the performances have actually evolved but the show is absolutely hilarious."

I have wondered how well this show would age and would people enjoy a revival of it in 2026. Would the woke world we live in today enjoy the over-the-top depiction of gay person like Roger. Not sure if the tap dancing with walkers still draws plenty of laughs. I saw it on Broadway with Lane and Broderick, and it was terrific. As time went by and the show closed, wondered if the show was that good or Lane/Broderick carried it. Glad to hear you enjoyed it and it is doing pretty well.

 

quizking101 said: "I’m so mad that I’m not going to be able to see Richard Kind. I’ve been manifesting Richard Kind back as Max FOREVER (particularly with John Mulaney as Leo)"

At 70, you can rule out Richard Kind from playing Max again. He played the role when he was about 49-50 so he was capable of handling the physical aspects of the show. 

BrodyFosse123 said: "quizking101 said: "I’m so mad that I’m not going to be able to see Richard Kind. I’ve been manifesting Richard Kind back as Max FOREVER (particularly with John Mulaney as Leo)"

At 70, you can rule out Richard Kind from playing Max again. He played the role when he was about 49-50 so he was capable of handling the physical aspects of the show."

Oh wow, does Richard Kind know this? Somebody should tell him before he plays Max again next month. 

Updated On: 2/11/26 at 10:25 AM

He’ll be doing a Richard Dreyfuss when he sees what he’s up against all these years later.