The Producers: What you need to know about the side-splitting musical comedy in the West End and how to find tickets
Mel Brooks's legendary musical comedy is back – and it's definitely not pulling its punches. This laugh-a-minute backstage show, set in 1959, follows an odd-couple pair of con artists, failing theatre producer Max Bialystock and timid accountant Leo Bloom, who team up to defraud investors by staging a deliberately terrible Broadway musical.
It's totally outrageous showbiz satire, from the duo's chosen play, Springtime for Hitler: A Gay Romp with Adolf and Eva at Berchtesgaden, created by a deranged ex-Nazi soldier, to the flamboyant director and increasingly madcap rehearsal hijinks. By the time we reach the infamous Springtime for Hitler musical number, audiences are reduced to helpless hysterics.
The Producers won a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards for its original Broadway run in 2001, and was also a massive success in the West End in 2004, starring Nathan Lane and Lee Evans. It has since been staged frequently, but this is the first time we've seen it in London since that initial run.
Patrick Marber's smash-hit revival at the Menier Chocolate Factory is now transferring to the Garrick Theatre in the West End for a much-anticipated encore, starring Andy Nyman and Marc Antolin.
How to buy tickets for The Producers
You can find seats for the London production of The Producers on Telegraph Tickets. Check the site for the latest prices.
The cast
The fabulously outlandish roles in The Producers are a treat for actors. The original 1967 movie version starred Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder, succeeded by Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick for the stage musical version. Subsequent casts have included Roger Bart, Cory English, Reece Shearsmith and Jason Manford.
Now Andy Nyman has his turn as the colourful Max Bialystock. Nyman was nominated for an Olivier Award for Fiddler on the Roof, appeared in the Wicked movie, and co-created the play Ghost Stories. The cast also features Marc Antolin (Olivier nominated for Little Shop of Horrors) as Leo, plus Trevor Ashley (Hairspray) and Joanna Woodward (The Time Traveller's Wife).
The Producers is directed by Patrick Marber. His writing ranges from TV comedy The Day Today to plays such as Dealer's Choice and Closer. He was Olivier nominated for directing Tom Stoppard's Travesties and won a Tony for directing Stoppard's Leopoldstadt.
The details
Where is The Producers playing?
The Producers runs at the Garrick Theatre on Charing Cross Road, which is close to Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, and other theatres in London's West End.
What is the running time of The Producers?
The running time of The Producers is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an interval.
How long is The Producers running for?
The Producers is booking to July 19, 2025.
What is the minimum age for The Producers?
The age recommendation for The Producers is 10+.
Does The Producers have accessible tickets?
Yes, the show has captioned, BSL and audio-described performances scheduled. Find more information on the theatre website.
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