Reader Reviews
The Producers (Theatre Royal Drury Lane, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | I went to see it on the 16th December and I loved it! It was camp, brash, in-your-face laugh a loud, hilarious, I just loved it! My boyfriend and I were laughing throughout the entire show! Im going again when it goes around the country when Peter Kay joins the cast, best of luck mate! Or in the show: BREAK A LEG!!!! - 86.144.64.201) | 29 Dec 06 |
| Thought it was in great shape and was gutted that it was such a small audience but then there has never been much advertising for this show and without any real stars what do they expect? Reece Sheersmith is a comic delight .... a beautifully thought through performance and loads of cheeky impish charm. He works wonderfully well with Rachel McDowell as Ulla who is stunning - the chemistry between them is terrific. Nicolas Colicos is still marvellous as Franz Leibkind. Stephen Matthews is the best Carmen I have seen and is also a very funny physical actor. Matthew Rixon is an accomplished Roger and has some great moments, but doesn't quite emulate Conleth Hill's original. The big disappointment for me was Cory English who just shouted his way though the show. He has no light and shade and there were many moments when I could see he was trying to make other actors laugh. At the curtain call he expected the biggest cheer (carmen got that) but he just didn't land it for me. The ensemble were well drilled and performed well - thought the girls were better than the boys. Will be sorry to see it leave London in a few weeks. - 195.93.21.97) | 18 Dec 06 |
| Saw the show in preview and again last night. The show is in great shape. Loved it. Thought Stephen Matthews who played Carmen Ghia was brilliant - much better than James Dreyfus. The Producers is just a great musical. - 82.69.1.188) | 27 Oct 06 |
| I went to see this musical on saturday evening and thought that it was fantastic. It is very funny and also has a depth that i missed in the broadway transefer of Wicked. Also, when I arrived I found out that Reece Shearsmith would not be performing and felt disappointed as I had read such good reviews on this sight. But I was not disappointed for long as his understudy was absolutely brilliant. Christian Gibson was funny, charming and delightful to watch and seemed extremely comfortable with the role. The show is clean and exciting and I would recommend it to anyone. Just sad to hear it is closing in January. - 80.43.118.210) | 17 Sep 06 |
| A thousand hosannas! Hooray, hooray. It's everything the British stage has ever needed: a glorious bonnfire of politically correct vanities - and all set to joyous music as well. Enjoy the evening in the theatre, then look up Lyn Gardner's snide PC review of the show on The Guardian website and rejoice that The Producers is upsetting all the right people. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. - 217.196.231.33) | 09 Aug 06 |
| wow! its great! very nice musical and it has alot of humour, it is so a must see! - 80.3.32.6) | 09 Jun 06 |
| Completely and utterly childish, camp, silly and offensive. Therefore I loved it! - 195.92.35.134) | 05 Jun 06 |
| Agree entirely. On a third viewing (I have seen all three casts ) I rate this team above all the others, particularly Reece Shearsmith as Leo. I thought that Lee Evans was not very good in this role but Shearsmith is terrific and actually FUNNY. - 81.79.93.130) | 28 May 06 |
| This is the best I've seen this gloriously funny and uplifting show since Nathan Lane left. In the new cast Cory English is a tiny, dynamic yet endearing ball of energy as Max (if we can't have N.Lane anymore this is the next best thing) with incredible comic timing and a wondeful singing voice, and Reece Shearsmith is the best Leo that London has seen to date, capturing exactly the goofiness and sweetness of the character...he is also sublimely funny yet attractive enough to see why Rachel McDowell's gorgeous, Amazonian Ulla would fall for him. McDowell may lack some of the finesse of her predecessor but she has charm, attack and looks stunning. Don Gallagher and Stephen Matthews are great fun as the theatrical couple, although I still miss Conleth Hill, and Nicolas Colicos' demented Nazi playwright remains a joyous highlight in an evening packed full of them. Susan Stroman's endlessly inventive, classy production boasts a well-drilled company, full of great supporting characters, none more outstanding than Amanda Minihan in a range of cameos from a filthy bag lady to an outrageously butch lighting designer. This remains one of the most enjoyable shows in town...sends you out on air. - 195.82.123.181) | 13 Apr 06 |
| This is the funniest show ever! i give 12 out of ten, Cory English is a great Max and so is Recce Sheeresmith as Leo! Go and see this Brilliant SHOW!!!!!!!!! - 88.104.32.190) | 31 Mar 06 |
| Being a fan of the original film, I could not wait to finally go and see The producers live on stage, and what can I say, it was amazing, out of this world...superb! The cast was flawless. Corey English really held his own as Max Bialystock and gave a great performance, as did Rachel McDowell as Ulla! And the three leads, as well as the supporting cast worked together with great chemistry. I didn't really know what to expect from Reece Shearsmith as it seemed so far from what his usual work is, but he was also amazing as the , his singing and dancing was brilliant and his talent for comic timing and physical comedy definately shone through in his performance, it would come as a surprise to anyone to find out he had never done anything like this before! He was fantastic! The show is so funny and entertaining from the opening song to the final bow. The Producers is hilarious and witty, the stage set is superb, the songs so memorable I still can't get them out of my head, and the whole cast are fantastic. You will leave this show with a huge grin on your face for definate! - 88.107.50.171) | 30 Mar 06 |
| IM GOING TO SEE THE PRODUCERS FOR MY EIGHTH TIME SOON, HAVING SEEN CORY ENGLISH AS MAX WHEN IT FIRTS OPPENED I CAN SAY BE WOULD HAVE BROUGHT BACK THE FUN AND ENERGY WHICH FRED APPLEGATE(ALTHOUGH WAS VERY GOOD)LOST! IT IS THE FUNNIEST SHOW YOU WILL EVER SEEN!!!!! - 88.104.36.38) | 26 Mar 06 |
| Have seen this 3 times (with 3 casts) now - and this was the flattest I've seen it - at least from the leads (Applegate and Sinclair). Enjoyable but tired. - 87.82.13.145) | 17 Mar 06 |
| After reading all the other reviews here of this show I feel that I must be an alien or something! My husband and I saw the show tonight and were thoroughly bored. John Gordon Sinclair was embarrassing to say the least - terrible singing and just not funny at all - leave the physical comedy alone and play is straight would be better. Apart from the costumes I thought the production looked cheap and although there are some funny moments (particularly the camp assistant) it just left us rather cold. Maybe it was an off night? - 195.93.21.99) | 17 Mar 06 |
| Excellent show and arguably the best we have ssen. We went with 17 year old daughter and 14 yuear old son. We all enjoyed the humour, the songs, the sets and the choreography. The show was not researched and we went on spec fuelled by the film. Excellent value for money - so much passion and vitality from the whole cast. Go to be entertained and not intellectually stimulated and you will have a fantastic evening. - 86.139.84.238) | 16 Feb 06 |
| Help me, I think I've fallen in love with this show. JGs has a charming voice and is perfect for Leo. This cast might not be as good as the original one but it's still strong. On the downside, our evening at the Drury Lane was spoiled by the rude bar staff. Some arrogant quite tall girl was determined to rip us off. My friend gave her £20 to pay for two Pepsi and she gave back the change for £10. Only when we ask to see the manager she gave us the money back. The bar was also absolutely filthy. - 213.122.32.144) | 11 Dec 05 |
| I saw this show when it opened with Nathan Lane and Lee Evans and thought that it was one of the best things I had seen. The new cast, whilst turning in a gallant and competant display, fail to hit the hights of the original cast. Fred Applegate is a very good Max, and whilst John Gordon-Sinclair is solid as Leo, he isn't the pysical actor that Lee Evans is and as such doesn't come across as so nerotic. That said his voice is very good. Both Applegate and Sinclair stayed on-script without the ad-libs of Lane and Evans. The other disappoitment is the audience. Sadly, most have probably seen the show before because there isn't the buzz or energy from the audience that there was during the openinmg few months - consequently there a lot less energy for Applegate and Sinclair to feed off. A problem which Lane and Evans did not have to contend with. That said, its still a great show and one of the best in the west-end, and remains side-splittingly funny in many moments. Just because it doesn't have revolving barricades, crashing chandelliers, or helicopters, doesn't mean that show's sets are unimaginative - the choreography for 'Spingtime' holds up well to any show in its imagination and originality. If you saw the original cast (or Lane and Evans to be precise) you will find that this cast doesn't quite live up to them (although it's near-impossible for anyone to come close to Lane, just as it is for Valjeans to come close to Wilkinson, Phantom's to Crawford, or Prof. Higgins to Rex Harrison), nor the audience to those opening few months. If you hav'nt seen the show then you'll still find it a boatload of fun, and will ceratinly come away with a grin from ear-to-ear; Even if you have already seen it, it's still fantasically funny. - 193.37.180.5) | 06 Dec 05 |
| I have seen the show 4 times now, I think its fantastic! I have seen it once with the new cast (the other times was when Lee Evans was it in). It is still excellent :o) Gordon-Sinclair is very good as Leo, just as good as Lee (and although Lee did add in a few v. funny bits of his own, if you have only seen the current cast, you wouldn't be missing much). I thought that the new Carmen is better than James Dreyfus, Fred Applegate is excellent, as is the new Roger. And of course, Leigh Zimmerman and Nicolas Colicos were brilliant as ever. It is one of the best shows on at the West End at the moment and I would highly recommend it to everyone!!!!! - 194.80.240.66) | 18 Nov 05 |
| I saw the show a couple of months ago and i loved it. I have been back to see it once more. Its fantastic. The humour was great. Great characters. Its great entertainment, i only wish i got to see it when lee evans was in it. Will recommend it to everyone - 84.12.52.12) | 09 Nov 05 |
| Saw this on Saturday night and was completely bored by it. The humour just wasn't funny, the songs were ok and the sets were un imaginative and dull. There was one/two scenes which were good but that's as far as I'd go. Didn't go in there with much expectation as I didn't know what to expect as I'd never seen the film, but came out wondering what some of my £50 ticket was spent on, certainly wasn't the scenery or costumes! - 84.13.45.105) | 30 Oct 05 |
| Thought the show was as brilliant tonight as it has ever been. All the principals were fantastic....particularly loved Stephen Matthews' Carmen Ghia - 195.93.21.101) | 11 Oct 05 |
| The best show I have seen for years! I don't think I have ever laughed as much in any show. Highly recommended. This show really keeps you hooked all the way through. - 82.35.247.167) | 07 Aug 05 |
| What a fantastic show. This is an absolute riot. Saw it on 21/07/05 and there seemed to be only a few empty seats. From beginning to end this roller-coaster ride kept everyone laughing. Fred Applegate was superb as Max Bialystock. At times a ball of desperate energy, at others revelling in his success at putting together such a catastrophic "Flop". I had initial concerns about John Gordon Sinclair, but his whiny and nervous Leo Bloom was a highlight. Conleth Hill, James Dreyfus and Nicolas Colicos gave superb support and I imagine it would be as difficult to replace these as it was assumed replacing Nathan Lane would be. Lisa Donmall, understudying for Leigh Zimmerman was excellent as Ulla. The rest of the company, in their numberous roles gave the impression that there were far more people involved than was actually the case. Well done all. The Technical side was also excellent with the numerous settings offering something different from the bleak simplicity of the prison cell to the kitsch Tour de Force of Springtime for Hitler. A show that surely has everything you could possibly want...and then a little something extra on top. - 194.200.154.253) | 25 Jul 05 |
| This show is all you could hope for in a musical, brilliant story, good actors, colourful costumes and a happy, professional cast. It is easy to lose yourself in the story which is what good entertainment is all about!!! Time well spent and I would recommend it to everyone!!!!!!! - 82.1.91.86) | 15 Jul 05 |
| This is like watching "Allo Allo" with songs in it. Infantile and predictable humour and a plot full of two dimensional stereotypes. I can't deny it is entertaining and escapist, but after all the hype I was rather disappointed. Aside from Springtime for Hitler-which is of course the best moment of the show-the sets are rather dull and unimaginative. Everything that comes after the Springtime number feels rather flat and pointless and I must admit to waiting for the show to end. John Gordon Sinclair put in a marvelous performance and was very endearing."Keep it Gay" was another highlight which I've no doubt many posters on this board will appreciate. As another person mentioned on this board, I found Mary Poppins a more enjoyable and imaginative show, not as rip-roaringly funny but with better characterisation and set design. - 212.135.157.226) | 04 Jul 05 |
| The Producers is a highly innovative and tremendously enjoyable piece of musical theatre. The performance I viewed had an understudy playing the Max role and he was excellent. JOhn Gordon Sinclair performed his role admirably. Supporting cast are uniformly excellent. I loved the way in which the musical parodies and satirises the musical genre within itself. It effectively pokes fun at the cliches and formularic nature of the musical whilst being an excellent example of the genre itself. Truly clever and inventive staging and highly wild sequences, notably the Spring Time for Hitler sequence and the amorous Granny sequence. A truly brilliant musical which deserves to be in the West End forever! - 212.219.119.164) | 21 Jun 05 |
| I saw in last night, and despite the steaming heat of the balcony, enjoyed it very much. The first half is a little slow but it really takes off the second act with the Springtime for Hitler show being fantastically staged. Have to say though that having seen the film several times there is not much new apart from the songs. - 86.129.124.223) | 18 Jun 05 |
| Having just read the other reviews, I just had to add mine. I saw the show the night that Prince Charles and Camilla were there and the show was half an hour later starting because Nathan Lane was "indisposed". Cory English took the role of Max Bialystock and was truly superb. I had hoped that he would take on the lead when Nathan left the show because he was just so good. However, i've just seen "Guys and Dolls" and Cory's great in that too but why didn't he take on the Max B. role for a long run? I hope I'm not disappointed when I see "The Producers" again soon. - 195.93.21.101) | 12 Jun 05 |
| Despite the recast, this is more fun than most other things in the West End. The production is slick, well-drilled and exhilarating and the supporting players are all magnificent, especially Leigh Zimmerman, Nicolas Colicos and, above all, Conleth Hill whose Roger just gets better and better. This is just as well as Fred Applegate's somewhat muted Max fails to obliterate memories of Nathan Lane and even Brad Oscar in the role: he misses alot of the laughs and lacks the desperation and intensity crucially needed; he also looks like George Bush from a distance!! He does have a great voice however. John Gordon Sinclair is charming as Leo, not as distinctive as Lee Evans inevitably but still a lovely performance. If you've never seen it before the recasting won't trouble you, but if you have don't expect the magic of Lane or Oscar and there's still masses to enjoy again. - 195.82.123.181) | 28 May 05 |
| Spectacular. It's not art, but it sure is entertainment. Very funny, very slick and while the music isn't original or the kind of soundtrack you'll play at home, it really works well, and is performed by a brilliant cast. Highly recommended - if you can get tickets! - 80.46.145.244) | 19 May 05 |
| This production is above and beyond any other stage show I have seen. It keeps you entertained and engaged the whole way through. All the leads are great in their roles, especially Lee Evans as Leo...SUCH a funny guy! It makes light of just about every ‘ism’ in the book, from ageism to race and Nazi-ism, things which we shouldn’t joke about but which are responsible for the laugh-a-minute experience that is The Producers. The musical really is in a league of its own. Defiantly NOT a show to be missed! - 80.177.14.225) | 06 Apr 05 |
| We saw the show on Easter Eve and enjoyed the show tremendously. All of the actors and support crew did a marvelous job and the orchestra was superb. We don't get to see many broadway type productions, but this rivals and beats the 42nd street we saw in Washington, D.C. The Hasslers - 69.140.41.94) | 02 Apr 05 |
| Brilliant. Brad Oscar, Lee Evans and James Dreyfus stood out as incredibly good actors. Very very funny and it's refreshing to see such a high quality production in the West End. Go and see it with the current cast. One of the few shows I'd say is worth the high ticket price. - 62.231.138.34) | 01 Apr 05 |
| i would just like to say that without doubt,the producers is the funniest show i have every seen,when the show first showed in london,it was impossible to get a ticket for any of the shows that nathan lane was in,and because of all the hype and stories of the show not surviving beyond his departure i did,nt know what to expect.brad oscar played the lead role and he was absolutely outstanding and what can you say about lee evans,the guy is just hilarious(a modern day norman wisdom)the night i saw the show the whole theatre was in hysterics from start to finish and the standing ovation at the end seemed to go on for ever,unbelievable.having recently seen the show on broadway,i would have to say the london production is better,i would recommend this show to anyone looking for top quality comedy. - 81.77.135.216) | 29 Mar 05 |
| Having missed Nathan Lane's reprisal as Max Bialystock in The Producers, it would be impossible to compare Brad Oscar's performance. However, Oscar brought a life and energy to the role in such a way that it is difficult to imagine how Lane might have improved it, apart from by simply being the fabulous man himself. With a script that relies heavily on its stars' energy and comic timing it is hard to imagine how Oscar's performance could be improved. Nathan Lane, though unarguably and inimitably fabulous, is not actually missed as the show continues apace, securing genuine belly-laughs from its audience throughout. Not to be missed. - 212.42.160.1) | 03 Mar 05 |
| Just seen the matinee, Wednesday 9 Feb. Brad Oscar indiposed [what is it about these guys that come over here and cannot cope with 8 performances a week] and Corey English in his place. Well Mr. English is truely magnificent.... I would say even better than Nathan Lane whom I saw in the show on 23 December. Yes BETTER than Nathan Lane. In fact the whole show was better than the one I saw on that date......the show I saw this afternoon has become a real ensamble piece. Quite brilliant. EVERYONE was better than the performances I witnessed in December. I think that it is high time that Corey English took over the lead. - 82.35.8.231) | 09 Feb 05 |
| Probably the funniest show in town at the moment. I was lucky enough to see The Producers whilst Nathan Lane was still in the lead role, but I think the show is strong enough to stand up even without the divine talents of Mr Lane. I sometimes wonder if people have actually seen the same show as I have judging by the negative comments some other reviewers have left - oh well, I can only assume that its just sour grapes or something & that they are all auditioning for the role of Victor Meldrew!!! Any way, don't listen to that sad minority - take my word for it - its fab & fun & I will be getting more tickets - even if both Mr Evans & Mr Lane both pull out!!!! WELL DONE MEL BROOKS – John Yates - 194.200.144.132) | 07 Feb 05 |
| Those worried about Nathan Lane's departure can rest easy - Brad Oscar is doing fine as loveable crook Max Bialystock. But the supports really shine. To address what the reviewer below who defends Lee Evans's singing voice: it is not a question of power, but of pitch. He drifts off the notes. Lee is otherwise brilliant: suitably spaghetti-like of face, of body, of emotion. As a greaseball scumbag of a Hitler (the wondrous "Heil Myself" number), Conleth Hill displays incredible range. It's amazing to think that he was in "Stones in his Pockets" and also "Democracy" - and now, this. Kudos. In fact, he is the true star of the show... James Dreyfus brings real technique and depth to what is basically what is basically a "mincing queen" role. And, sorry to say, despite her undoubted technical skill, Leigh Zimmermann turns in a chilly performance as Ulla. Finally, let me mention that this show has echoes of among others, "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Oliver" - and, hilariously, of "Showboat". I leave you with the image of the black accountant singing "well I credits all de mornin' - and I debits all de eb'nin' - until dose ledgers be right". Or of Nick Colicos, amazingly full-throated as Fritz Liebkind, reminiscing in his lederhosen about "Old - I'm talkin' OLD - Ba- va- riaaaaa!!!" Priceless. - 81.98.82.89) | 29 Jan 05 |
| I have always loved the satire and wit of the original film 'The Producers' and my enthusiam allowed my young son to watch this film with the hope and encouragement that he would understand its irony. He's an intelligent and principled child so I was proud to accompany him, at his request (a few years later and now 12 years old) to see the West End version. I went to a huge amount of effort to make sure that we would obtain tickets to see Nathan Lane in the role of Max and it wasn't until we turned up to the box office on the day that we understood his poor predicament. I considered but decided not to request a refund as there are many occasions when things don't work out as one wishes and in my experience it is always better to accept the situation and look for the best within it. Never have those beliefs been so well-founded as Cory English, in our opinion, was not an understudy but an accomplished performer in his own right. The play itself translated beautifully to the smaller budget/spaced West End stage. We sat adjacent to people visiting for the second time in a week because they had loved it so much, despite the lack of Mr Lane. It is worth considering the understudy's dream to take on such a starring role mixed with the trauma of following such a notable act with every critic/spectator 'spotting the difference'. Well done Cory! and I feel sad for those contributors (especially from afar, who chose not see it on principle - how dare an actor suffer acute medical problems!). They missed out what is after all a great classic story and did not evolve from Nathan Lane. May their discs stay intact. Meanwhile my son and I had a fantastically enjoyable evening. - 83.217.165.212) | 20 Jan 05 |
| AMAZING!! I have so far seen it with Nathan Lane as Max, and Corey English as Max. Lee Evans was very good, but yes, could use some help with the voice. and Conlith Hill was good but no Gary Beach (original roger). But i'd say rush out and see it! dont worry about money! see it! - 24.69.255.236) | 14 Jan 05 |
| Help me, someone, I think I've fallen in love with Lee Evans...and he has a charming voice...what's up with all these people who think the only way to sing is to make a sound like a foghorn? I've seen this show now with both Nathan and Cory English and I'm sorely tempted to see it with Brad Oscar too to complete my collection. It is such a fun evening, it does not pretend to be anything but comedy. And the idea of deliberate bad taste being in high fashion is very relevant to our times, n'est-ce pas? Ignore the gripers, few as they are; if you want a fun evening, go see it. - 195.93.34.12) | 13 Jan 05 |
| one word AMAZING - 162.84.181.90) | 12 Jan 05 |
| The show was excellent in every way. I saw the show on 29th December. Cory English was sensational and Lee Evans was outstanding. To Suggest money back because Nathan Lane wasn't well is down right silliness. A treat to watch, I thought the entire cast was superb and deserves all the praise that comes. I would have been upset if the show had been cancelled but that is why we have people called understudies. Its the show I go for (the stars help) and that is why I book tickets. - 80.44.114.178) | 12 Jan 05 |
| Took a group of 15 to see it this week. We were disappointed that Nathan Lane had pulled out, but after the show, everybody loved it, and no-one thought we'd missed out. Cory English was more than up to the job. Loved the bit of ad-libbing by Lee Evans too. Definitely recommend this, and I'm not even a fan of musicals in general. - 193.128.202.113) | 07 Jan 05 |
| Utterly brilliant!!! Saw it on 1st Jan evening. I was very disappointed to be missing Nathan Lane - but I just cannot see how he could have topped Cory English - he was just superb. Lee Evans struggled with the singing but his comic timing and vulnerablility more than made up for it. My only disappointment was that Leigh Zimmerman's voice really wasn't up to the job. - 199.67.203.133) | 04 Jan 05 |
| Wonderful. I went last night. I was gutted that Nathan Lane had pulled out as I had tried so hard to get tickets for his performance but I wasn't disappointed with the great stand in Cory English. Fantastic. - 213.86.249.76) | 04 Jan 05 |
| January 1st… An excellent show! I saw the original cast in NY nearly four years ago and thought it was hilarious.... new cast and in London and it's just as funny. Cory English gives a first class performance and deserves a proper run as the headline MB! I have no hesitation in recommending this show as excellent! Well done to the entire cast! - 217.204.197.2) | 03 Jan 05 |
| I saw the show on 31st January. I had seen the show with Nathan Lane in the first week it opened and was very impressed. I was concerned with the very negative comments made on this site regarding the stand in Corey English. I was taking a friend to see it for the first time as well. I can report that Cory English was fantastic in the part and I forgot all about Nathan Lane. The number he sings in jail "Betrayed" was excellent. Lee Evans still said "F***" the show, wished everybody a Happy New Year and after a little bit of banter, English said "We are back on the plot now". Noboby seemed tired and the whole cast were full of enthusiasm. I have not seen the whole audience give a standing ovation so quickly as I did when Cory English took his bow. No one need feel cheated that Nathen Lane is not in the show. - 81.155.71.143) | 02 Jan 05 |
| I saw the show on 28 Dec. I should have been offered my money back as Nathan Lane was off (we know now but were not told then that he will not be returning to the show because of two slipped discs) his understudy is not up to the job and Lee Evans behaved in a throughly unprofessional way by improvising and saying "F*** the show" during his improvisation which showed or appeared to me to show his dissatisfaction either for the show or the producers or the situation in which he found himself. As the understudy is so poor, the entire show was severely affected and, in the Lane scenes, it was lifeless. Other performances were good (with the exception of Jaames Dreyfuss who gives camp a bad name - he should take lessons from Conleth Hill who is exceptionally funny. An enormous disappointment becuase of the failure of the producers to provide a suitable understudy for Nathan Lane. - 195.93.34.12) | 30 Dec 04 |
| Having read the previous review, I feel that I too "missed something" with The Producers. Nathan Lane was missing, I don't know what else his performance brought to the show, my hope is that some "energy" was involved! I would best describe the show as flat, absolutely no energy or enthusiasm from the cast, the staging boring and predictable, and the character development half baked. Lee Evans' performance was understated and relied to much on his own physicality and ability to fall over. Corey English(Bialystock) gave no interpretation to the part, he said his lines, moved his feet and sang a few songs. I am sure he is a fine actor, but needed to stamp his mark on the part, a difficult job for an understudy I'm sure, but we are talking about professional actors at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane, not your local Am Dram society. When you pay £50 for a ticket at the back of the stalls, one expects a decent show. When expectations are set so high it is easy to be disappointed, and I was. Having seen Mary Poppins last week where my expectations were lower, there really is no comparison. Mary Poppins soars above The Producers with inventiveness, enthusiasm, ensemble playing and sheer verve! I suggest the cast of The Producers try and see it, it will hopefully inject some passion back into the piece. The hype of Nathan Lane joining the cast has boosted ticket sales, the reality is that eventually the audience will see this show for what it really is, and vote with their feet, hopefully in the direction of a number of other decent West End Shows, who are unjustly struggling for audiences. - 62.252.64.30) | 29 Dec 04 |
| Did I miss something? Was it because Nathan Lane was missing due to his injury, or possibly something to do with it being a matinee, that I found The Producers came nothing close to being the greatest show to hit the West End, as the hype would suggest? I'm thoroughly disappointed. I chose the show for my birthday treat on Wednesday afternoon. I accepted that Lane wouldn't be performing, but I hoped that it would still be a riot of a show! Alas, it was nothing more than an inpolite, middle-class satire on camp-ture with dancing Nazis (gosh!). Lee Evans was ok, but not much different to his performance in Endgame - he seems to have inherited the limp. I can't find the understudy's name anywhere, but his performance as Max was very charming indeed - it's just a shame the character wasn't the wonderfully rib-tickling creation I had heard about. Leigh Zimmerman was delightful, as was James Dreyfus (the lingering wrist was brilliant!). It's good to see a confident Hadrian Delacey again, too. I've heard people complain that Jerry Springer the Opera is repetitive in its humour... well both of the aforementioned shows are repetitive, but it's Jerry that hosts the more varied comedic vocabulary. The Producers is only vaguely tongue-in-cheek, although I think that even this would make a lot of the middle-class audience members smirk and giggle. Don't get me wrong, it's a cleverly staged musical and is a whole lot better than the other nonsense on at the moment. But, for my generation, Jerry Springer is the only jaw-droppingly offensive, hysterical and groundbreaking satire I've seen. I've got that "ripped-off" feeling that I too often inherit from commercial productions after curtain calls - especially at £35 a ticket. So, what is it that I'm missing? - 81.154.149.113) | 24 Dec 04 |
| This is a marvellous show. I have now seen it three times. Nathan Lane puts in a tour de force as Max Bialystock, good throughout, but especially in "Betrayed" - the bitter number he sings from jail - where he replays the entire show for us in about 4 minutes. (I cannot imagine Richard Dreyfuss being able to put this titanic number across...) Lee Evans is suitably spaghetti-like, of face, of body, and of emotion. His singing voice is not up to par; as a professional musician, I find he has trouble MAINTAINING pitch of notes, even thought he may LOCATE a note OK. As a greaseball scumbag of a Hitler (the wondrous "Heil Myself" number), Conleth Hill displays incredible range. It's amazing to think that he was in "Stones in his Pockets" and also "Democracy" - and now, this. Kudos. In fact, he is the true star of the show... (sshhh! - bearing in mind Nathan Lane's ALLEGED salary...) I loved James Dreyfus, despite the recent questionable news items on his absence. Dreyfus sings, acts and moves brilliantly, getting dramatic mileage out of what is basically a "mincing queen" role. Alas, although she has some warmth in the 2nd half, I find a coldness at the heart of Leigh Zimmermann's work. Nothwithstanding her evident technical skill, it's all a bit mackerel-on-slab. Finally, let me mention that this show has echoes of "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Oliver" - and, hilariously, of "Showboat". Let me leave you with the image of the black accountant singing "well I credits all de mornin' - and I debits all de eb'nin' - until dose ledgers be right". Or of Nick Colicos, amazingly full-throated as Fritz Liebkind, reminiscing in his lederhosen about "Old - I'm talkin' OLD - Ba- va- riaaaaa!!!" Priceless. - 81.103.144.163) | 24 Dec 04 |
| Sorry, the review below was meant to be 5 stars. My mistake! - 213.122.103.17) | 24 Dec 04 |
| This is surely the funniest musical ever staged! The whole cast is marvellous, but especially Nathan Lane who is a genius and Lee Evans who is brilliant, particularly at physical comedy. Springtime for Hitler is absolutely priceless. I was very fortunate in managing to get tickets to see it again before Nathan Lane leaves. A must-see (probably twice.) - 81.131.219.36) | 24 Dec 04 |
| Saw it this evening. 23 December I was a bit put off by the hysterical audience, screaming and clapping and cheering at the slightest thing. In the end though, I thought that it was a good, well put together show. Yes, Nathan Lane is excellent. Also, I thought, Nicolas Colicos brought real life to proceedings. Not too sure about Lee Evans. I thought that he was ok and teamed up well with Nathan Lane but when the Nathan Lane character says of the Lee Evans character “I didn’t know you could sing?” I thought…well you can’t!!! Also I was very disappointed with Conleth Hill. Perhaps it was just the performance that I saw, but much much more could have been brought to the “Heil to me” bit of” Springtime for Hitler” An enjoyable evening and well worth the price of the ticket but…..not really up to the incredible hype that has been lavished on it. Sorry bout that but those are my immediate feelings! - 82.35.9.8) | 24 Dec 04 |
| Nearly twenty years ago, Cameron Mackintosh and the RSC's 'little show that could', Les Miserables set the trend for the next two decades - gloomy sung-throughs with a whiff of the over-serious and the profound as everyone tried (God knows they tried) to put on the new Les Mis. We can, then, be hopeful that The Producers has the same effect - here's to everyone trying to emulate this positively fizzing old-fashioned musical-comedy, a direct homage to The Golden Age. There are better books (Ragtime), better scores (Gypsy), slicker choreography (Chicago), but nowhere is there a better all-rounder. This is a classy piece; an all-guns-blazing razzle-dazzle evening of pure delight, and the best night out at a theatre I have had in YEARS! This show will run and run and deserves too. I would never consider any show to be faultless, but I sat wondering afterwards - where were the bad performances? where were the bad numbers? the sloppy second-act dip? Nowehere. This show is pure gold, scatter-gunning the audience with gags so thick and fast, and polished production numbers that must make Jerry Herman and Tommy Tune weep. Nathan Lane's reputation precedes him as a Broadway legend, and for good reason. His performance is a masterpiece of showmanship; packed to the rafters with knowing looks and relishing the physicality of the piece he is a joy to watch, and a million miles away from so many lazy 'star turns'. Not one opportunity for a laugh is missed, and his ability to 'turn on a sixpence' is literally marvellous. Lee Evans, if not blessed with the pipes of a Matthew Broderick matches him. If you like Lee Evans, you'll love it, and if you don't, you probably will. His down-at-heel Leo is genuinely affecting, and his physical comedy is unsurpassed in the show. Leigh Zimmerman's Ulla is a tongue-in-cheek delight; surely she was quids in for the part (there aren't many six foot statuesque blondes with Hollywood good looks, legs up to her armpits, boobs like melons, and a belt voice, as well as being able to time a gag) but she is a marvel - funny, sexy, touching and the birth of a true star. She was a smashing Velma Kelly, and gave Contact its je-ne-sais-quoi, but her performance here is something else. When she tips "Now Ulla belt" in 'If Ya Got It, Flaunt It', she really means it! Elsewhere, James Gray is a mincey delight as Carmen Ghia, Nicolas Colicos' stomping and mugging make Franz Leibkind a thuggish fool, and Hadrian Delacey and Amanda Minihan work their socks off in a number of hilarious bit parts. They all have the show neatly stolen from then by Conleth Hill's Roger DeBris. Not a cariacature, his DeBris is simpering, stubborn and egotistical, and his Hitler is the comic highpoint of three hours of laughter. The set is simply faultless, all chintzy glitz and painted backcloths. Susan Stroman's direction and choreography demonstrate with and invention all of their own, and bring some good old fashioned Broadway hoofing to the West End. The songs are 'numbers', and there's simply not a bad one in there. Mel Brooks' book is a work of subtle and satirical genius; it envelops a classic love story, a coming-of-age story, a rags-to-riches story, and also demonstrates exceptional glee and poor taste. There are more good one-liners in this show that in the rest of the West End put together. The ocassional slips back into reality ("Intermission!") demonstrate a psued's level of comprehension of meta-theatricality, too. Complaints? None, really. The band are fab, the theatre's looking great, and the show more than lives up to its gargantuan hype and expectation, and it will certainly have legs when Nathan Lane departs. Find a ticket, steal one if you have to, but make sure you see it. This is an evening of unparalelled brilliance in the theatre, and one that can not be missed. - 82.36.194.83) | 20 Dec 04 |
| Brilliant!! Nathan Lane is quite brilliant and Lee Evans is sublime! I have seen this show in New York & Melbourne, Australia and London is simply fantastic. All cast members are terrific lead by Lane & Evans. I saw the matinee on Saturday and you would have thought it was Saturday night, fears that Nathan would miss another one were unfounded & he proved his star quality - I was unable to see him star on Broadway, but I have see Brad Oscar and while splendid, he is not Nathan Lane. My friends & I had a ball Saturday afternoon & I head home to Australia a happy man!! - 81.136.149.172) | 19 Dec 04 |
| 10 Dec 04 - What an absolutely amazing show. Was worried about the hype but I needn't have - it lives up to it all and more! Nathan Lane isn't fantastic - he's a genius - his comic timing is perfection. I could not fault one minute of this production! I missed half of the show through laughing so much. Conleth Hill playing Roger DeBris almost steals the show with his Springtime for Hitler number - he simply could not have been any more camper! I saw this show with an American friend who has seen the show 7 times now and he says the London production is the best! Lee Evans is superb and according to my friend as good as, if not better, than Mathew Broderick, so please do not believe the negatives on here about Lee as they are totally unfounded. Beg, steal or even murder to get a ticket whilst Nathan is in the show. Fortunately I think this show will survive without him because the script is so funny, the music so memorable and the rest of the cast are truly fantastic. Thank you Producers for a magnificent piece of entertainment! - 62.6.139.13) | 13 Dec 04 |
| WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SAY...IT'S GREAT FUN, A LOVING TRIBUTE TO BROADWAY MUSICALS, VERY FUNNY, VERY CAMP, ENERGETIC IN FACT IT'S VIRTUALLY PERFECT. BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR ABOUT NATHAN LANE - HE EXHIBITS THE TYPE OF STAR QUALITY THAT IS SEEN ALL TOO RARELY THESE DAYS - SEE HIM AND YOU'LL REMEMBER THOSE TWO AND HALF HOURS UNTIL YOUR DYING DAY! JS - 80.3.160.9) | 10 Dec 04 |
| whats not to like with this show everything in the show was brilliant am glad that nathan lane took over the roll could not really see Dreyfus being able to do the part well enough - 212.100.251.149) | 10 Dec 04 |
| What a fabulous show! Travelled from Scotland last Saturday just to see it having booked tickets months ago and wasn't disappointed. The cast were superb and I thought this production was as good as, if not better than, the Broadway production I saw 2 years ago.My friends, who hadn't seen it before loved it and laughed the whole way through. Nathan Lane is amazing and Lee Evans a surprising(to me) and talented success. You must see this show. Hopefully I'll see it again... and again.... and again.......!! Keep it Gay!!!!!!! - 217.44.7.51) | 09 Dec 04 |
| Well it's all true! Packed to the top and is sold out till Jan. It is well worth £50 just to see Mr Nathan Lane - what a star, a REAL star! Much great work from Lee and Leigh and Nick C and all the very hard working cast. James Gray stepping into a lead last night - well done love just great! If you can - which I think not now - catch it before Jan 10th. Standing ov' of course last night. What a joy when the buzz pre show is that high - as a guest of mine said 'I feel like we on Broadway seeing a Broadway show' - how often does one feel like that in London now? - 217.13.129.151) | 07 Dec 04 |
| Saw the Saturday matinee and with all the hype I was expecting it to be good, but not great (in my experience over hyped things usually are a let down) however it was one of the funniest things I have ever seen on stage. Fantastic cast and script. Although I personally felt a little awkward with the first Hitler references as long as you go with an open mind, go with the flow and take it in the way its meant you will have a blast. The sets werent anything special, but what I loved is for me they had the feeling of (as did the whole show) a 50's style musical comedy, just good old fashioned fun and glamour. Is it the best musical ever? well no, not for me, but its one of the best shows around at the moment for pure escapism and fun. The music is good, but nothing special. Its a mixture of ingredients that makes the show work, not just one thing. I think this will do well overhere as not many people know who Nathan Lane is, so when he leaves I think it will sell just as well because of 'word of mouth'. Lee Evens was fantastic, a revelation, I didnt like him before but am converted. Does anyone know how long the rest of the cast are contracted for? This, together with Bay Boy, WIW and Mary Poppins has made for exciting openings this season that offer something for everyone. Great! PS - Im not a 'peasant' theatre goer as someone below has said. I like all theatre and will watch shakespeare as happily as a musical. If you like theatre youll like this - 81.174.228.177) | 06 Dec 04 |
| This is the funniest thing ever on stage. If you don't laugh the whole way through there is something wrong with you!! Rush to The Producers - 195.93.34.12) | 05 Dec 04 |
| With the arrival of The Producers and the soon to open Mary Poppins, this really signals an upturn in fortunes for the West End. Nathan Lane is superb, Lee Evans is great - the supporting cast are magnificent. If I lived closer to London, and had the money, i'd go back again and again. I'll have to satisfy myself with the Original Broadway CD and sit tight until Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick finish the film version! - 62.252.32.13) | 30 Nov 04 |
| SPRINGTIME FOR THEATRE AND LONDON'S WEST END! What can I say. This show is brilliant. Never have I laughed so much at the theatre. Nathan Lane is an amazing performer and commands the stage from the moment he walks on. Lee Evans is perfectly cast as Leo, granted his singing voice isn't the strongest, but he more than compensates for that with his acting and comic timing. The supporting cast shine throughout. Lee Zimmerman has the legs, body and voice to make Ulla shine and Conleth Hill and Nicholas Colicos give Lane and Evans a run for their money in their respective roles. The key though to this show is that it does its best to OFFEND everyone, and offend it does, but with the audience laughing in the aisles in stead of heading for the exit in disgust. I left not only humming the tunes but recalling line after line of the Mel Brooks script. May this have a long run in the West End and to whoever replaces Lane and Evans - good luck you have big shoes to fill! - 217.35.141.121) | 29 Nov 04 |
| What an absolutely fantastic show! It is everything that a musical comedy should be with the entire cast being quite fabulous throughout. I'd like to reiterate what has previously been said about Nathan Lane, he was quite amazing and pitch perfect! As for Lee Evans, it is true that his singing voice is a little weak at times but when he gets into his stride - as with the accountancy office number - he is very, very good! However if you detest Lee Evans' in general his performance may not change your mind. I'd like to emphasise that this show is a comedy and as such you should probably not go in expecting an epic style musical, dramatic style play or Shakepeare. It is just a fun show with great gags and musical numbers. Go see it! - 158.234.250.71) | 24 Nov 04 |
| What a great show and what a suprise Lee Evans is. I cried with laughter and the must see it again I hope Nathan Lane stays on for longer. The pidgeons are good too. - 152.163.101.9) | 23 Nov 04 |
| An absolute tour-de-force with Evans and especially nathan Lane at the top of their game. Don't miss it. - 62.252.192.13) | 23 Nov 04 |
| My singing teacher watched this show a few weeks ago and said it was brilliant. She teaches musical theatre at a drama school so she must be a REAL MUSICAL LOVER. I haven't watch this show (I am going in January) but I've got the CD and the making DVD and both were quite impressive. I don't think it will become my most favorite musical but surely will be only of the top as I love old fashioned musical. If you are looking for Les Mis or Phantom, watch something else. But if you are just looking for a night of entertainment and fun, go and watch The Producers before Nathan Lane goes!! - 81.129.121.86) | 22 Nov 04 |
| I went yesterday and was very disappointed. If you are a true musical lover you will not like this. The performers (apart from Lee Evans) were all very good, but the show was rubbish. Don't waste your money. I completely agree with the comments of the previous person. - 213.40.3.65) | 21 Nov 04 |
| nathan lane is excellent. ;ee evans isn't... even vaguely plausible. the whole thing is funny, but meaningless; there's nothing to learn here, just feelingly empty laughs. one for your peasant theatregoer, not your receptive and thoughtful one. - 62.254.64.17) | 21 Nov 04 |
| Perfect. It's so nice to step out of a theatre having enjoyed every bit of it. I am not a big musical fan, but being a musician and performer myself, i go and see them occasionally and this one is the first one where i can't think of a single weak spot. The acting and singing ranges from good to brilliant throughout the whole cast, the set is imaginative, the choreography excellent, staging and production not mind-blowing but very good. the orchestra sounds fantastic and the sound in general is very good, compared to any other westend musicals with scaled-down orchestras that sound tinny because they have to be amplified. The music is good and funny, not a single bad tune in a 3-hour-show ! But the whole production just oozes fun and joy and playfulness and is just absolutely hillarious, nathan lane and lee evans are ingenious and Nicolas Colicos as Franz Liebkind is a surprise star, being equipped with a tremendous voice (he should practice his german a bit though :-) Have you ever seen standing ovations in the west end ? I haven't, but "The Producers" had me and the crowd on our feet as soon as the curtain went down ! - 84.9.16.163) | 19 Nov 04 |
| Stop press: I hear Roger Allam maybe.....then again can he get out of Aladin?? Bring back Henry Goodman! - 217.13.129.151) | 19 Nov 04 |
| Seen the show in London, New York and LA, and it continues to shine. STOP PRESS : Rumours are that Jason Alexander ( Seinfeld) is to take over from Nathan Lane in January. Having seen him in LA, whilst he may not be as fantastic as Nathan, he is still Fantastic and well worth seeing !!! - 217.17.115.239) | 19 Nov 04 |
| what can I add? nothing really, except to give Lee Evans a little more credit for his SUPERB performance ... his physical posturing has left me cold in the past, but he seems to have it more under control .....but, much more importantly, his voice, contrary to some other reviews here, is sublime .. maybe he's only just getting into his stride. I saw this on Broadway 2 years ago and can only say that I wasn't disappointed with the UK production. Thank God no Richard Dreyfus ... Nathan is king, but Lee is a pretty good consort ... - 217.44.79.197) | 18 Nov 04 |
| The show is great. Both Nathan and Lee are fantastic. It was a great night out and I would go again if I could. We laughed throughout the whole 3 hours. I would recommend it to anyone who's up for a laugh - be prepared for aching sides as a result. That is if you can get tickets - we booked the first weekend tickets about 2 months earlier and there wasn't much choice - so hurry up and just do it. - 81.153.18.250) | 17 Nov 04 |
| Very disappointing. I much preferred the film. For stage musicals give me 'Brighton Rock' anyday over this. - 212.85.1.1) | 17 Nov 04 |
| A big fan of the original 1970 movie, I didn't work out until the interval that Mel Brooks must have had to double the script to get from a 1'30" film to 3 hour stage show. This is mostly made up with lots of extra songs & dance sets - since in the movie the only songs are sung within the SfH show, ie it is not really a musical at all! Most of the extras work, although none are as memorable as the (re)staged SfH set with its brilliant goosestepping swastica formation. The few dragging bits were the end of the director's set (no pun intended) & Liebkind's Bavarian dance - still entertaining, but a bit too slapstick for me. Of the main characters: Nathan Lane was as good a Bialystok as other reviews have implied - Zero Mostel comes over as more cinical, but I doubt he could have handled the part as a musical. I like Lee Evans anyway (esp the brilliant film "Funny Bones") and thought he was almost perfect as Bloom. Yes, he could have a more powerful singing voice (some training needed?), but he can sing in tune & play a comic nerd able to evoke sympathy from the audience. Conversley, Nicolas Colicos as Liebkind is a belting singer but does not put over the sinister fanaticism of the original. All in all a welcome update on the original, and a thoroughly entertaining night out. - 81.144.251.46) | 17 Nov 04 |
| Every trick in the book and boy did they work! Fast, funny, elegant, cheap, bad taste.....sheer perfection. Is this the way forward for musicals? I for one sincerely hope so. Mr Lane will be sadly missed come January. Nonetheless the show will still be fantastic. Lane and Evans, what nice guys.....this is the best entertainment in London by miles...heil to mel. - 217.43.27.248) | 16 Nov 04 |
| THE BEST. Mr.C - 213.123.205.8) | 16 Nov 04 |
| Travelled from the top of England to London just to see Producers.This had better be worth the trip,I thought-and it was!Brilliant performances from all concerned, especially Lane and Evans.Every theatrical spoof,including the music itself, was here and faultlessly carried out. Anyone who criticised this show must have gone solely for that purpose.Nathan Lane will be hard to replace, but I hope it has a long, long run. It deserves it! - 217.42.70.206) | 12 Nov 04 |
| What more can I add. I loved this show when I saw it in New York 15 months ago, but the London production is significantly better ! It's sheer vitality and energy grabs you at the start and hasn't let you go when you walk out of the theatre 3 hours later. Nathan Lane gives the musical comedy performance of the decade, let alone the year - he is quite magnificent. Lee Evans singing is a bit weak, but otherwise this is an auspicious musical debut. Every other member of this ensemble is having a ball and it's infectious. The arrival of this show in the West End is as important as Jerry Springer - The Opera, not because it's ground-breaking, but because it's the perfect antidote to the pompous pop operas, the sentimental smaltz and the plain daft we've been subjected to for years now. The is the finest musical comedy I for one have ever seen and I shall be going again in two weeks time ! - 81.134.81.210) | 12 Nov 04 |
| FANTASTIC! I loved it. Thak you Nathan Lane for coming over and performing for us - he is the most perfect Max Bialystock! Lee Evans was superb, Nick Colicos was fantastic, Conleith Hill perfect and the rest of the cast were just fantastic. Get yourself a ticket - don't miss this show. Get there before Nathan Lane departs in January - you wont be disapointed! - 212.158.229.242) | 12 Nov 04 |
| Lee Evans is really shit. Lane is good, but even he can't compensate for the idiotic, talentless gurning of his sidekick. - 62.254.64.17) | 11 Nov 04 |
| Springtime for Hitler : probably the best showstopper I've ever seen. (30's style showgirl swastikas high kicking round the stage with paratroopers. If you're a Nazi, Swedish or an Old Lady then this will probably be no fun but otherwise you'll have a ball. I can't wait for She Shtoops to Conquer. - 62.254.189.98) | 10 Nov 04 |
| As good as a musical can be. Compare this to the Woman In White and you can see, for sheer entertainment value, how much better the Americans still are when it comes to musicals. Nathan Lane, alone, is worth the price of a ticket. In an age of inflated ticket prices (the fact that London theatre has now become as expensive as NY and yet people are still willing to pay for programs is beyond the pale) you actually feel that you've gotten your money's worth. Do whatever you have to to see this show before Nathan Lane leaves in January. - 66.32.144.244) | 10 Nov 04 |
| Slick and professional and loads of fun. Totally tasteless of course, but you can't help but love it. - 132.185.240.120) | 10 Nov 04 |
| Best musical I have ever seen. No context!! - 81.174.130.148) | 09 Nov 04 |
| Oh joy of joys soon zee furer will be the toast of the vest end! This show will run and run. Having seen this on Broadway it has transfered very well and is as funny as ever. Nathan Lane is as brilliant as ever! Rush to see this show. Steal from your friends or family to get tickets if you must! - 195.93.34.12) | 08 Nov 04 |
| Totally and utterly un-politically correct. So, of course it was hysterical!!! I was concerned that it would be hard to live up to the wonderful cult movie, but what a show. I immediately wanted to see it again. Nathan Lane was incredible - there's no way Richard Dreyfuss could have pulled it off, so a big thank you to him for being honest enough to pull out. Lee Evans proved he can turn his hand to anything he wants to now (and I couldn't see any sweat marks on his clothes!) The rest of the cast were excellent too, particularly the actor playing Franz Liebkind - a super voice. And I loved Roger de Bries Chrysler Tower dress - where can I get one? Nathan Lane has to stay on longer because it's going to be very difficult to get someone to replace him. Go and enjoy! (By the way, some wonderful yiddish jokes in there if you happen to be jewish, its even funnier!) - 194.203.201.216) | 08 Nov 04 |
| Brilliant! Nathan Lane and Lee Evans are sublime! Laughs from start to finish. - 206.15.138.135) | 05 Nov 04 |
| Saw this show in preview last week - absolutely fantastic! I laughed from start to finish. Nathan Lane was amazing and must be kept in for longer, he is matched by Lee Evans who is excellent as Leo. Cannot fault one single bit - get tickets while you can this promises to be the hottest ticket in town. - 57.66.71.126) | 05 Nov 04 |
| If I never see another piece of theatre in my life I shall die a happy man. It's shallow, glitzy, gaudy, utterly tasteless and brilliant. It infects you with its style and 'in your face' humour from curtain up. It's stunningly well performed and, of course, dominated by Nathan Lane, who eclipses Zero Mostel in the movie by a galaxy or two. When it was over I wanted to see it again immediately. - 81.79.133.103) | 05 Nov 04 |
| Very good, very funny, very tasteless and a bit rude. Busby Berkeley will be turning in his grave. - 12.39.71.54) | 04 Nov 04 |
| A very 1950s 'Broadway style' musical with some Mel Brooks one-liners thrown in. Production is slick, it's pretty and witty eye and ear candy. The music is sheer Vaudeville and not particularly memorable. Nathan Lane as Max is obviously totally at home and will be a hard act to follow in that role. Lee Evans' comic acting is top notch - but if he could belt out a song as well, he'd be a true star. 'The Producers' is a bit like a fast food experience - delivers in the short term but there is ultimately nothing to savour. - 62.49.41.19) | 02 Nov 04 |
| Haven't seen it yet but Nathan Lane is in it. Nuff said. - 213.31.11.55) | 02 Nov 04 |
| Don't fall for the hype. It's another musical, just as substanceless and trivial as all the others. Nathan Lane is good, Lee Evans really isn't good, and the whole thing is a good product; slick and professional. But anything more than light entertainment? Not a chance. - 62.254.64.17) | 02 Nov 04 |
| We saw this on the second preview night and it was one of the best things I have ever seen in the theatre. Nathan Lane was out of this world and absolutely deserved the standing ovation at the end. I can't imagine who'll replace him. The music, dancing, staging were all superb. Do whatever you can to get tickets for this, especially while Mr Lane is there. We're already planning a return trip. - 213.143.10.26) | 01 Nov 04 |
| Being hetrosexual I hated it apart from the scenes with the large breasted Ulla. This production is pure springtime for Gay boys. - 195.93.34.12) | 01 Nov 04 |
| Max Bialystock may not be the King of Broadway, but Nathan Lane is certainly the King of the West End !! Beg, Steal or Borrow, you HAVE to see this show !! I've been lucky enough to see it on Broadway, and in LA with Martin Short, but Nathan Lane and Lee Evans are a marriage made in heaven. Its the best show EVER to hit the West End. Laughter from the first minute to the last ! If you want great entertainment, plenty of laughs, enjoyable scores, and to see brilliant performances .. Look no further. This is THE SHOW to see !!! - 217.17.120.10) | 31 Oct 04 |
| Christmas came early to the West End this year and guess what we found stuffed in our stockings? The musical "The Producers." As the lyric goes '' Where did they go right ? '' Mr Brooks is a genius, he wrote the book with Thomas Meehan ,he also wrote music and lyrics. When was the last time that you went to a new show on the West End and came out of the theatre able to hum most of the songs? To me that is what a musical is supposed to be about - great and memorable music. Not a single penny is held back to make "The Producers" what it is - a Class A show. As for Mr. Lane, the moment he comes out on stage you feel the mega star quality. I have to thank Mr. Dreyfuss because if he hadn't pulled out of the show, we may have never had have the chance to witness such a legendary performance. The down side of course is who can replace Mr. Lane afterwards? I was determined not to like Lee Evans'peformance, with the overly exaggerated facial expressions, but funnily enough it worked on stage. Of course, we don't doubt Lee's comical timing. As for the singing, it is fantastic from Nicolas Colicos, James Drefus, Conleth Hill , Leigh Zimmerman and I was even surprised by Lee Evans. Mr. Lane sang the most difficult song of the night - 'Betrayed' and he did it with ease. Leigh Zimmerman is perfect for the part and her dancing is just so elegant. The whole cast dances so well, but who can go wrong with Ms. Susan Stroman's directions? Wonderful scenery by Robin Wagner with many clear little props like the pigeons and cushions. So many beautiful costumes by William Ivey Long and I am not just talking about the leading lady's. Lastly, Mr. Brooks, all I can hope is that your show will run for many more years because you deserve it.My thanks for bringing something pretty, witty and gay to the West End Theatre.by www.londonupdate.co.uk 30/10/2004 - 217.43.18.128) | 30 Oct 04 |
| I would give the show more than 5 if I could - went on 27 Oct - best entertainment on stage I have seen in years of prolific theatre going. Nathan Lane is just fantastic, made for the role. Go see it - 155.140.121.227) | 28 Oct 04 |
| saw the show on the 23rd october. What can I say it was superb. It was fast, slick and very funny. Nathan Lane was outstanding and the rest of the cast rose to the occasion. Do not miss this show even if you are not a fan of Mel Brooks. - 213.122.138.41) | 24 Oct 04 |
| Went to 1st night of previews. Rush to the see this show! Nathan Lane is the toast of the West End! - 195.93.34.12) | 22 Oct 04 |
| Not seen the show yet but I am absolutely delighted that I have tickets in December and will see Nathan Lane reprising his Broadway role in London. Having read both UK and US papers recently, I am now worried that the show will close when Nathan Lane's run ends. No one seems to be able to match up to Nathan in the role and this can only be bad news for the production. Take my advice and get tickets before 8 January 2005 - this show may not have a life without Nathan. - 62.6.139.13) | 21 Oct 04 |
| Saw this show on the great white way with Nathan Lane & Matthew Broderick. Very funny show. whether the show will be as good here we will have to wait and see but we are used to seeing broadway shows getting butchered in the West End! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.14) | 06 Apr 04 |
