Mel Brooks’ outrageous, multi–Tony Award-winning musical THE PRODUCERS has returned to the West End following its acclaimed run at the Menier Chocolate Factory. It may not be here in South Wales but there is a part of us on stage every night in the shape of Port Talbot actor MARC ANTOLIN.
Andy Nyman (Hello, Dolly!, Hangmen) stars as Max Bialystock, with Marc Antolin (The Band’s Visit, I Wish You Well) as Leo Bloom. Joanna Woodward (The Time Traveller’s Wife, Pretty Woman) delights as Ulla, and Trevor Ashley (Les Misérables, Hairspray) steps into the spotlight as Roger de Bris.
Directed by Tony Award–winner Patrick Marber (Leopoldstadt), The Producers thrusts you back into the zany world of Max Bialystock, the scheming Broadway producer, and Leo Bloom, his timid accountant. Their outlandish plan? To create the biggest flop in Broadway history! Brace yourself for in-your-face humor and musical madness as The Producers raises the bar for comedic theatre once again.
We caught up with Marc in between shows at The Garrick, where the run of The Producers has been extended through to September next year, We had lots to chat about, including his early days in Port Talbot and a dream job at The Sherman Theatre in Cardiff. But first we talked about Leo Bloom and what must be a dream role for him in this Mel Brooks classic……
As Marc said, The Producers is about as politically incorrect as you can get, but that’s what makes it such a fantastic show. It makes fun of everyone and everything, but does it with style and some of the most absurdly catchy songs you’ll end up sing on the way home.
This first major London revival of Mel Brooks’ The Producers has exploded onto the West End with ‘his genius for hammily catchy melodies and taboo-busting gags’ (★★★★★ Sunday Express).
Based on Mel’s cult classic film, the original Broadway production won a record-breaking twelve Tony Awards, and this revival proves why. When down-on-his-luck producer Max Bialystock teams up with timid accountant Leo Bloom to stage a surefire flop, their scheme backfires with thunderous applause and unstoppable laughter.
If you haven’t yet heard the soundtrack, here’s the original Broadway cast recording with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.
Reimagined by Tony Award-winning director Patrick Marber The Producers is definitely a show to see on a visit to the West End. And while you’re there, give an extra cheer to our own bit of South Wales, Marc Antolin.
THE PRODUCERS is on right now at The Garrick Theatre and has been extended through to September next year. For more details and to book tickets go HERE.
