The Producers - Menier Chocolate Factory

Me reading the first letter of each sentence like it’s some kind of code.

My biggest issue with this production was also Andy Nyman. There was no warmth in his characterisation of Max, no over-the-top acting to match most of the other featured performers, very little fun. I think he's woefully miscast and that made me feel disenchanted and actually a little awkward - when your lead sucks some of the enjoyment out of The Producers then something is going wrong. It's a real shame as Marc Antolin is the polar opposite as Leo - warm, charming, hilarious and looks like he's having an absolute blast. I thought the Roger and Franz's were both great fun, though Ulla was somehow played too straight.

The staging is disappointing - though no lights blew during the performance I saw (I think maybe they've replaced the bulbs with LEDs?) It feels like the sort of flimsy set you'd get at a touring production of Heathers and really constrains the big dance numbers, which is a shame.

I still had an absolute blast and that's a testament to how good this musical is. Early days and certain quirks do show signs of a strong offering (I also loved the well-endowed statue). But if this is going to transfer the staging in particular needs a total rethink.

Just saw this, and I had been following everyone’s reviews and opinions on it since first preview so I had a preconception of what it would be like. I saw the original London production so it had a lot to live up to.

I don’t think it’s half as bad as what people have made it out to be, BUT there’s a lot wrong with it and I wouldn’t say I loved it.

The biggest issue is Andy Nyman just choosing to do nothing with Max. It’s so by the script, no personality, no wacky wit, nothing over the top, but Max needs that. He was definitely a bit sick tonight, coughing a few times, taking throat lozenges at parts, holding back his voice a bit. I just felt very let down by his performance.

The set is very minimalistic, but not as cheap as what I read, it definitely doesn’t look like GCSE drama. I was actually worried that the lack of scale was going to be the biggest let down, but it actually didn’t bother me, apart from Springtime for Hitler. A flowery backdrop curtain is definitely GCSE level, surely they could have thought of something better?

Some of the comedy just didn’t land. Not much, but some notable lines. Is it just a bit dated? Old humour that we’ve moved on from? I’m sure there was more cut, but I definitely noticed they cut the line max says to Ula “in fact we’ve got many positions for you” or something.

The positives; Leo, Frank, Roger and Carmen are all brilliant.

This didn’t tarnish my memory of Drury Lane, and I had been begging for a revival ever since, and I’m glad I got to see it once again, but I think I’ve put it to bed now. I’m glad I saw it here rather than when it transfers to the west end, and I most likely will not see it again, unless they give it a massive west end make over and a different Max.

3 stars.

It's interesting that Andy Nyman isn't working for some as Max because he was good in both Hello, Dolly! and Fiddler.

How many in the band ?

Not sure - around 10. They were very good and sounded very full.

I'm also surprised as many coming out of first preview thought he was one of the highlights. I do think he plays the role much more mean-spirited though, but I still liked him.

Yes.0

I wonder if Andy Nyman is basing his Max on Zero Mostel's Max who is much darker and meaner compared to Nathan Lane's Max who is very showy by compaison.

Full disclosure I haven't seen any original production of 'The Producers' (although I have seen the 2005 film). I actually loved the production taking it for what it is - a cheap, off-west end production. I can't really imagine THIS production transferring to the West End. But I enjoyed it for what it is.

Well this was amazing! I’d give it a 4, maybe even 4.5 out of 5! Loved it