Springtime for Hitler has them singing in the aisles

Nige Burton is blown away by The Producers at Blackpool Grand

In all my years as an avid theatregoer and reviewer, and the countless productions I’ve watched over many a decade, all versions of Mel Brooks’ cult musical The Producers had so far eluded me; I’d not even managed to catch the film.

I would, therefore, not usually have wanted an amateur production of the show to be my first experience of it, so attended Premier Theatre Company’s treatment of the musical at Blackpool Grand with some trepidation.

My fears were totally unfounded. This production sparkles with fantastic interpretations of the unique wit of Brooks’ script and songbook, and some outstanding performances from a truly professional cast. Andy Figg and Chris Campbell are an absolute revelation together in the title roles, with strong support from Brian McCarten as neo-Nazi pigeon fancier Franz Liebkind, Charlotte Dalton as Ulla and Dave Hume as the outrageous theatrical director Roger de Bris. Praise must also go to Mykey Young for his exquisite and unique portrayal of Carmen Ghia – he clearly enjoyed every minute he was on stage, an emotion transferred to his audience with ease.

Despite a runtime of over two and a half hours, Sarah Jane Stone’s direction is taut and precise, and using the talents of Simon Green to choreograph the whole shebang is a masterstroke. His Betty Legs Diamond cameo also works well and is a pleasing touch.

The odd betrayal that this is indeed an amateur production is completely forgivable; undertaking this mammoth and complex vehicle at all is a brave endeavour, to accomplish it with such aplomb is nothing short of an outstanding achievement.

My one word of advice? Don’t bill yourselves as amateurs guys – a professional company could not have done this any better. I look forward with relish to the next production from the Premier stable.

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