The Producers

A sparkling invitation to Opening Night by usherettes, Claire Smith and Kerry Mitchell set this production off on the right foot. But the action really steps up when we meet The King Of Broadway, down-on-his-luck Broadway Producer Max Bialystock played with real flair by Chris Duke and are absorbed into his strange lifestyle funded by sex-mad old ladies. A solution to his financial crisis arises with the appearance of timorous accountant Leo Bloom (performed skilfully by Grant Roach) and a light bulb moment: more money can be made by a failed show than a successful one. Bialystock and a reluctant Bloom set about finding the worst script, written by crazy Hitler sympathiser, Franz Liebkind (played imposingly by Kevin Smith), the corniest director; outrageously gay, Roger Debres (Brian Boyd) and a cast to ensure failure. All this financed by Bialystock’s portfolio of little old ladies’ cheques for sexual favours. The partnership becomes a threesome when exuberantly sexual Ulla (vivaciously performed by Elaine Scougal) takes the men by storm. Well supported by an energetic cast, there are hilarious moments throughout. Brian Boyd as Roger and Rodger Brunton as Carmen, his lovestruck assistant provide many, together with Touch Me Feel Me performed by Lesley Ritchie and the delightful Zimmer dancing little old ladies. Production numbers like Springtime For Hitler with dancing Hitlers and tap-dancing storm troopers were energetic and entertaining with unfussy effective choreography danced well and sung with gusto. Amazingly and disastrously the show is a success and though the pair end up in jail we are still cheering them on. A tremendous evening’s entertainment. Well done to all.

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