The Producers

What a joy to see a musical that truly deserves the term musical, and not yet another juke-box confection of pop hits strung around a tenuous story. The Producers is perhaps Mel Brooks’ masterpiece, the original film a classic side-splitting comedy, and Brooks’ own musical adaptation is a stroke of genius. Genius realised in this production by a stellar cast. Louie Spence is hysterical, Phill Jupitus scarily real and David Bedella on brilliant form with that killer smile. Cory English has to fill some difficult shoes but does it with aplomb, making Max Bialystock his own and nailing his big numbers. But it is Jason Manford who steals the show with an extraordinary performance that takes him from stand-up comedian to musical star. His portrayal of Leo Bloom is touchingly gentle and naive, his comic timing is superb – but when he opens his mouth to sing he reveals that he has one hell of a vocal capacity and vocal skill, simply breathtaking. This is masterpiece of a show – a show with real heart. Unmissable!
Andrew Kay
13 April
Theatre Royal Brighton
5 stars