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24 September 2014

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You review...The Producers (updated 9 November 2004)

The curtain has finally gone up on The Producers at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, for what is arguably the West End's most eagerly-anticipated run.

The musical, which began life as a film written and directed in 1968 by Mel Brooks, has been credited with reviving the fortunes of Broadway and tempting jaded audiences back to the theatre.

There were of course reservations about whether a musical film about a musical would work as a real stage musical.

But when the production first opened on Broadway in 2001, with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in the lead roles, it was instantly declared a hit by reviewers and quickly began to sell out.

Although keeping the essence of the film, and the centre piece song 'Springtime for Hitler', Brooks updated it with new songs and gave some characters more prominent roles, including that of secretary Ulla.

parted company

Its overwhelming success on Broadway meant there were calls for it to transfer to London as soon as possible.

The lead actors for the West End version were announced as Lee Evans and Richard Dreyfuss.

The original line-up for the London run. But Richard Dreyfuss's musical credentials were largely unknown

It was considered something of a coup to secure Oscar winner Dreyfuss, despite the fact his musical credentials were largely unknown.

And the demands of musical theatre took its toll on the 56-year-old who parted company with the show just days before the curtain was supposed to rise in the West End for preview performances.

Luckily for the real producers, and those who had already booked tickets, Nathan Lane was available to step back in the role.

It gave him the chance to team up once again with Lee Evans, with whom he had appeared in the film Mousehunt, and secure a bumper pay packet.

If the Broadway star had not stepped into the breach, there was a real risk the show would not go on.

"sceptical"

And now, after all the off-stage dramas, is The Producers back on track?

Online reader Barry Knight was at one of the first previews at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane:

Preview-bound...Mel Brooks was in the audience during the run-up to the opening night

"I managed to buy tickets at the last minute - 5pm on the day! - in the stalls and two seats behind Mel Brooks!

I was sceptical about the performance beforehand, knowing that Richard Dreyfuss had pulled out, but in the overall scheme of things it couldn't have worked out better.

With Nathan Lane shipped over at the last minute from Broadway and having already worked with Lee Evans in the past, I couldn't have asked for a better performance from both!

The rest of the cast were fantastic and I strongly recommend you get yourself along to the Theatre Royal to watch - in my opinion - a future hit!"

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Agree or disagree with those comments? Tell us what you think and add your views below.

Your Comments

Mike Hodgson
While most of the udience seemed to appreciate it, I found this the most witless, humourless, tedious production I've ever had to sit through - fortunately I nodded off for part of the first act. The plot is childish, the characters are all simple caricatures and there's barely one decent song.

Harriet
The producers is a fantastic production. The music is superb and the acting amazing. The scenery and costumes are put together to add to the excellant humour of the production. However, I found that the New York one was altogether better than the London one, even when Lee Evans forgot his lines and was trying so hard not to laugh.

JOHN OF EASLEY
A pretty sappy musical. Tired humour and not a song that is memorable. What is all the excitement about?

Paul
Saw it on 10th Sept 2005. Excellent. Very funny. The music was a clever plagiarism of Oliver, Chicago, Cabaret and Fiddler on the Roof. Just don't sit in the top balcony of the Theatre Royal on a hot, humid day; it was a sauna!

Sarah Law
Brilliant, I would never have considered a musical until I was attracted by the cast. Lee and Lane are amazing together.

jane g.
certainly the best and funniest musical I have seen in a long time

Kathleen Bailey
Fantastic - funny, excellent performances from Applegate and Sinclair, and everyone else. I had a wonderful time!

Aimee
The Producers was wonderful. It was witty, Humorous, Lovable and Completely Controversial. I loved every Minute. Fantastic performances From Brad Oscar and Lee Evans, a great double-act. Definately recommended.

charlotte
lee evans is brilliant what a talentet man he is brilliant at stand up and stage productions!

colin
This is a spoof and great fun

Julie
a stupid racist play suggesting that all Germans are Nazis - waste of money and time; the music itself is showing proof of the fact that american popular culture is far from being sophisticated

Lou
I think The Producers was absolutely fantastic and everybody should get a slice of the action if they can

Brian Payne
Just about the best show on in London at present.

Andrea Best
Absolutely wonderful, best musical I've seen. Lyrics to the songs are hilarious !

Ian Sweeney
Good show, shame about the music. I saw it this evening and had a few laughs but I can't recall a single tune and it finished less than an hour ago.

sophie
i loved the producers and i am a huge fan of lee Evans and i thought it was great and i am going to see it again

Tracey Clayton
Loved the show but Lee Evans spoiled it for me. Can he not just act as written and NOT be Lee Evans but be Leo Bloom? Rest of cast were fantastic and I loved "Ulla". Until there is a cast change I certainly won't be going back.

Rosie Huddart
The porducers is the funniest musical i have ever seen! I can't describe to anyone how good it is. Just go and see it!

Chris Derer JUMP Radio Germany
Yes it is a Hit! Congratulations, haven't had so much fun in a play since years! Mr. Brooks show it in Germany! Chris, Leipzig/ Germany

Martin Corder
What Can I say, Excellent theatre, excellent cast, astounding show. Got a box for two for twenty quid each at side of stage.

Charlie Jackson
Possibly the worst thing I have ever seen on the London stage. Sitting in an audience which wouldn't be out of place at a Tory party conference - all laughing at lazy humour from the Jim Davison school (offend everyone and it's OK it seems). Trite music, amateur perforamnces and a plot beyond farce. If you enjoy 70s Saturday night humour and think gay and Nazi gags are funny then go along (oh how funny - a man in a dress) Otherwise spend your money more wisely and give it a miss. DREADFUL.

Duncan Hook
I saw it yesterday (saturday the 15th) and it was amazing. Brad Oscar and Lee Evans are hilarious! the setting is great and the songs are catchy. recommended to anyone!

Jeffrey Archer
A MARVELLOUS MONSTER HIT-NICHT WAHR!I went to the first night -it was achingly funny,and that was just the first Act!The pairing of Lane and Evans is a very hard act to follow.Leigh Zimmerframe I mean Zimmerman was fantastic, and one shouldn't leave out Nicolas Colicos and Conleth Hill.Who will replace Nathan Lane will be a dilemma the Producers have got to seriously consider to get it RIGHT. I mean -originally picking Richard Dreyfuss? Come on! The only thing that spoilt it for me was seeing Dave A in the Interval!!!!

Paul Taylor
I saw this show in New York with Lane and Broderick, thought it was one of the best shows I had ever seen, so when it was on it's way to London I was over the moon! I had tickets for first night previews and the official opening night and then on hearing Lane had replaced Dreyfus my expectations went up even higher. I can not recommend this show highly enough everything from the sets to the music and the performances are superb, it truly is one of the best musicals in London right now. Although the show is sold out for every performance queue for returns it's worth the wait.

Paul Thompson
Absolutely fantastic Evans was as funny as humanly possible in his role and Nathan Lane worked better than Dreyfuss could have hoped too... Go see it !

Lindsay Morgan
Saw it yesterday. absolutley amazingly brilliant. all has already been said but the casting was supurb and nathan and lee had me in absolutley in stitches well deserved standing ovation at the end.upset and bored now i can't go tonight and tomorrow and watch it all over again!

ALEXANDRA HUME
REALLY ENJOYABLE FUN. RHYMING "I'M A GERMAN ETHEL MERMAN WAS INSPIRATIONAL, GREAT STUFF.

Karen
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! Loved it from start to finish! & highly recommend it for a thoroughly enjoyable Theatre experience!! I treated my man for our Anniversary & we laughed right up to the end ~ money very well spent :>

Geoff Keating
A faultless performance from all actors, Nathan and Lee were excellent. A complete hoot from start to finish. And I got a ticket for 拢24....

Stephen Robson
Id seen the film and was a fan, my partner had never seen the film; but both of us enjoyed it immensely lee and nathan were fantastic. This will run and run and run.

Bernice
We had a fantastic time. Totally Entertaining! All performers were great. Would see it again!

Leslie Kay
The best and most enjoyable production I have seen in almost 50 years of sseing almost all of the great Broadway and London musicals

Adolf Hitler
As I vas saying to Eva...ve haf nefer laughed zo much... Ve recommend you go...or I vill invade Austria again...ONLY JOKING!!!

Adolf Hitler
I kannot recommmend dis show highly enuf day are telling it like it really Was!!

Claudia Redmond
My sides are still aching from laughing so much at this fantastic production! - Mel Brooks is a genius -and of course Nathan Lane and Lee Evans delivered his lines with amazing comic timing, I could hardly draw breath before the next bout of hysterical laughter! - you have to go and see this it is pure entertainment and I challenge you not to laugh until you cry.

Jack Cooper
Yes its fantastic

Pat
ABSOLOUTLY AMAZING!!! I never knew Lee Evans had such a brilliant voice!

Jonesy
I can not recommend this show highly enough. I'm not generally a fan of musicals but this show will get even the most defiant wet blankets rolling in the aisles.

Joe Phillips
The greatest evening I have ever spent in the theatre.Do not miss this amazing show.

Cheri D
Fantastic evening of great fun! I didn't know until I got to the theatre that Nathan Lane was stepping in - what a TREAT!

Dave A
A MARVELLOUS MONSTER HIT-NICHT WAHR!I went to the first night -it was achingly funny,and that was just the first Act!The pairing of Lane and Evans is a very hard act to follow.Leigh Zimmerframe I mean Zimmerman was fantastic, and one shouldn't leave out Nicolas Colicos and Conleth Hill.Who will replace Nathan Lane will be a dilemma the Producers have got to seriously consider to get it RIGHT. I mean -originally picking Richard Dreyfuss? Come on! The only thing that spoilt it for me was seeing Jeffrey Archer in the Interval!!!!

Mike H
Saw the play on 30th Oct. Thought Nathan Lane was great and Lee Evans to. Although overall the play did not do it for me. The pace was to slow and some of the dialogue has not aged to well. I am amazed some are saying it is the best thing they have seen. I can only assume they don't get out much!

JVC
Nathan was fantastic, and he had tremendous chemistry with Lee Evans.

Phil H
A hit? It is without a doubt the best piece of theatre I've ever seen. Impeccably slick, absolutely gut-bustingly hilarious, showstopping numbers from song 1, and Nathan Lane is breathtakingly brilliant. Go and see this NOW!

Jason Cox
Of course it's a hit. It was a hit before it even opened.

Franni Szekely
We saw the show on Saturday evening. As a huge fan of the film, I was very dubious. I need not have worried. We all thought it was superb - the whole audience laughed throughout. The set pieces were brilliantly staged. Lee Evans was a revelation - I'm not a fan but he was PERFECT and he can sing. I am so pleased that Nathan Lane was able to do the London show - he was absolutely brilliant. I want to see it again, as soon as possible - it's that good

Donald
Yes it will be. It did it in the film, it an do it as a show. Good luck to you guys and dolls;-)

Jan Dixcey
Best show we've ever seen. Nathan Lane and Lee Evans are fantastic

Lawrie Newton
Saw the show on Broadway in February with Lane/Broderick. London show was absolute blast, far superior to Broadway with audience rapt from the opening number to the standing ovation at the end. Nathan Lane is Max, See the show before (at least twice) before Jan 8 when Lane leaves to shoot the film remake. What a West End debut!!!

JM
I saw it on 30 Oct. The audience gave the most wonderful standing ovation. For me, Nathan Lane made the show - he is a true star. The best show available on the West End in years.

Peter Morris
Astonishingly good. I went last night with 3 others and we all agreed it is the funniest musical of all time. Others vie for best overall, best music or best book but The Producers is the funniest. Nathan Lane was so good that he made the part look easy to play. Only one bad thing - the orchestra are clearly piped in from another room and the sound is terrible. No dynamic range, poor equalisation and a waste of a 20 piece live band. Shame on you Theatre Royal Sound crew...

david mclagan
Saw it last night!Aside from Theatre Royal being the hottest, most uncomfortable theatre in the world...the production was awesome!!! Absolute hit

Les Dicks
Saw it last night(Charity Gala!! Being long standing fans of the film, we we're in awe of the whole production and Nathan Lane is a true Bonus! will go again.

Jack Cooper
Fantastic. Evans and Lane were a brillaint pair. The music was great! Enjoyed every second. Mel Brook's RULES!

Davd Stanton
I've seen the show and think it was absolutely electric. Hope it will be a massive hit!

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