London’s West End is buzzing with excitement as Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan’s riotous musical The Producers extends its run at the Garrick Theatre, now booking through September 19, 2026. The news, announced by the Menier Chocolate Factory’s Artistic Director David Babani, comes amid a wave of critical acclaim and a string of accolades for the show’s recent UK productions—proof that this satirical Broadway send-up remains as relevant and hilarious as ever.
“I’m thrilled that our revival of The Producers is extending at the Garrick Theatre,” Babani said, according to Love London Love Culture. “Patrick Marber’s take on Mel Brooks’ musical still retains the sharp satirical humour of the original but also allows audiences to laugh at things that still remain relevant today.” It’s a sentiment echoed by audiences and critics alike, who have flocked to see the madcap tale of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom—two hapless producers whose plan to stage a flop turns into an unexpected smash.
The current West End cast is a veritable who’s who of musical theatre talent. Andy Nyman takes on the role of the scheming Max Bialystock, while Marc Antolin plays the neurotic accountant-turned-producer Leo Bloom. They’re joined by Trevor Ashley as the flamboyant Roger DeBris, Raj Ghatak as Carmen Ghia, Harry Morrison as Franz Liebkind, and Joanna Woodward as the dazzling Ulla. The ensemble is rounded out by Alex Lodge, Kelsie-Rae Marshall, Nolan Edwards, Michael Franks, Esme Kennedy, Sinead Kenny, Josh Kiernan, Kate Parr, Emma Robotham-Hunt, Pierce Rogan, Hollie Jane Stephens, Jermain Woods, and Ryan Pidgen (standby Max). Additional cast members include Megan Armstron, Gabrielle Cocca, Olly Christopher, and Matt Gillett.
Behind the scenes, the creative team boasts some of the industry’s finest. Paul Farnsworth is responsible for the show’s vibrant costumes, while Tim Lutkin handles lighting design and Paul Groothuis oversees sound. Betty Marini brings the characters to life with wigs, hair, and makeup, and Gareth Valentine serves as the musical supervisor and dance arranger. Orchestrators Larry Blank and Mark Cumberland, musical director Matthew Samer, associate director Lily Dyble, and a host of associate and assistant creatives ensure that every performance is polished to perfection.
The show’s enduring appeal isn’t confined to London. Up north, the Durham Musical Theatre Company (DMTC) recently brought The Producers to the Gala Theatre in Durham, earning a slew of honors at the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) awards in Newcastle. The April 2025 production, directed by Fred Wharton with musical direction by Malcolm Moffat and choreography by Kathleen Knox, was named Best Production in the area and Best Production in the North of England—a remarkable achievement for a regional company.
Ruth Ball, President of DMTC, expressed her pride in the company’s success: “I am delighted that the Company has won these awards. It is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the production from production team to everyone on stage as well as everyone backstage—a true team effort. This is a great feather in the cap of DMTC as well as the Gala Theatre and the City of Durham.”
Individual performers were also recognized for their standout contributions. Anthony Smith, who took on the role of Max Bialystock, won Best Performer in a Musical, while Luke McGarey, who played Leo Bloom, received the Councillor’s Recommendation Award for his versatility. Their chemistry and comedic timing did not go unnoticed by critics. Michelle Coulson, reviewing the show, wrote: “Anthony Smith and Luke McGarey had such strong chemistry together and their on-stage camaraderie was palpable, driving the show with energy and wit.”
Coulson went on to praise the entire ensemble, noting, “The huge and talented ensemble energetically morphed into a variety of characters—all played to perfection, with great singing too. This entire production was polished and well presented. Congratulations to the entire company, production team and crew for bringing this outrageous and brilliant musical to life, I think you can tell that I loved it.”
For those unfamiliar, The Producers is a musical comedy that first took Broadway by storm in 2001, adapted from Mel Brooks’ classic 1967 film. The story follows Max Bialystock, a once-successful Broadway producer, and Leo Bloom, a timid accountant, as they concoct a scheme to get rich by producing the worst show in history. Their plan? Raise more money than they need, stage a guaranteed flop, and abscond with the surplus. But when their chosen disaster, Springtime for Hitler, becomes an accidental hit, chaos—and hilarity—ensue.
The show’s blend of slapstick, satire, and showbiz in-jokes has kept audiences laughing for decades. Its irreverent humor, while occasionally courting controversy, is balanced by a deep affection for musical theatre itself. As David Babani noted, the satire remains sharp, and the themes—greed, ambition, and the unpredictable nature of success—still resonate in today’s world.
Part of the show’s staying power comes from the collaborative efforts of its creative teams, both in London and Durham. In the West End, the production’s extension is a testament to the talents of director Patrick Marber and the entire company, who have managed to keep the material fresh without losing the spirit of Brooks’ original vision. In Durham, the local adaptation brought together a community of performers and backstage crew who, through sheer enthusiasm and professionalism, created a show worthy of national recognition.
The accolades for both productions—whether in the glittering West End or the heart of County Durham—underscore the universal appeal of The Producers. It’s a show that invites audiences to laugh at the absurdities of show business, but also to appreciate the hard work, creativity, and camaraderie that go into making theatre magic happen. And with the London production now extending its run, there’s no sign that the laughter will be dying down anytime soon.
For those eager to catch the show in London, tickets are now available for performances through September 19, 2026. And for theatre lovers in the North, the recent triumph of DMTC’s production is a reminder that world-class musical theatre can thrive in every corner of the UK. Whether on a grand West End stage or in a beloved local venue, The Producers continues to prove that its outrageous humor and big-hearted spirit are as infectious as ever.
With the Garrick Theatre’s seats filling up and regional companies earning their own standing ovations, Mel Brooks’ masterpiece is enjoying a renaissance that would make even Max Bialystock proud.
