Andy Nyman as Max Bialystock and Marc Antolin as Leo Bloom in The Producers [Manuel Harlan]

THE PRODUCERS
Garrick Theatre
4.5 stars

Sometimes a production loses something – its intimacy or rough edges – when transferring from a smaller venue to the West End.

Not so with Patrick Marber’s gleeful revival of Mel Brooks’ musical comedy The Producers, a satirical swipe at Broadway excess, now at the Garrick after a sell-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory. It’s a perfect fit.

Shabby Jewish theatre producer, Max Bialystock (Andy Nyman) and his accountant sidekick Leo Bloom (Marc Antolin), devise a scheme to get rich by staging a show that bombs – investors don’t expect a return.

They settle on Springtime for Hitler, a cringingly crude script by pigeon-loving Nazi Franz Liebkind (Henry Morrison), hoping it will be a disaster.

They enlist camp, self-regarding director Roger DeBris (Trevor Ashley), whose mantra is “Keep it Gay”. Ulla (Joanna Woodward) auditions and becomes Leo’s love interest – she has a knock-out voice too. But the plan backfires when the show becomes a surprise hit.

Brooks co-wrote the book with Thomas Meehan, and his music, led by MD Matthew Samer, is glorious, with irresistibly catchy lyrics.

There’s an abundance of talent in Marber’s assured production. Antolin’s easy charm and athleticism quietly steal the spotlight in a brilliant double-act with Nyman. He sings and dances with real panache.

Lorin Latarro’s choreography fizzes with energy. Scott Pask’s set is striking, and Paul Farnsworthy’s flamboyant costumes are a joy.

Brooks once said: “The best way to bring down evil is to laugh at it.” The Producers is the perfect antidote to our troubled times.

Terrific.

Until February 21
theproducersmusical.com