“The Producers” by Loughborough Amateur Operatic Society (LAOS)
Loughborough Town Hall

Max Bialystock, the one­-time king of Broadway producers is hungry to strike it rich, and Leo Bloom, an accountant with dreams of someday becoming a theatre producer, discover that they could get richer by producing a flop than a hit and start by finding the worst show, worst director, and worst actors. When their new production, “Springtime for Hitler,” turns out to be a smash success, the plan is thrown off and the partners lives are thrown into chaos but with much hilarity.

This is one of my favourite musicals for so many reasons; the absurdity, the politically incorrectness, the wonderful soundtrack, the comedy, the glitz, the glamour and those incredible characters created by Mel Brooks.

Directed by James Nelson, I know that this was a dream piece of theatre for him because his love of this musical shines throughout, and he still manages to add his own sparkle to an already wonderful entertainment piece; watch out for nods to several other musical theatre favourites.

In charge of the brilliant orchestra and the clever and comical soundtrack is Musical Director Kate King. Forget that you are in Loughborough because this glorious sound could come from any of the big London theatre stages.

There are so many brilliant dance sections in The Producers which smack of Hollywood glamour and that is brought out by Harriett North who has choreographed this show.

The ensemble dancers work their socks off, and all with smiles on their faces and looking as if breaking into a sweat was something alien to them. the energy in these routines, and there are many different styles, is incredible. This team also include several of my favourite local dancers; I'm sure that they know who they are so i don't need to list them all, but what a wonderful and professional team this really is.

Jez Malpas (Max Bialystock) makes a brilliantly animated King of Broadway and the pairing with Josh Hill (Leo Bloom) is a dream couple. There is a great song in this musical called "That Face" and Josh is one of those actors who can convey anything with the face that he has. Both these actors have a great feel for comedy, the technical side and the delivery and riming of it.

Sarah Heptinsall (Ulla) definitely has "it" and she flaunts "it" well and to quote another musical she is lovely to look at. Oh and that accent is perfectly delicious. Sarah and Josh's duet of "That Face" has a wonderfully timed musicality in every movement.

Matt Leeson (Franz Liebkind) makes you smile as soon as he appears on stage and his section with his pigeons is absolutely hilarious.The trio of Max. Leo and Franz's "Der Guten Tag Hop Clop" is wonderfully choreographed and well timed.

Mark Chinnery (Roger DeBris), doe me reminded me of a taller Matt Lucas and just as funny. the scenes with mark and Cameron Sim (Carmen Ghia) are another lovely theatrical pairing. Wonderfully camp and their scene with James Daw (Brian the Set designer), Kevin Clarke (Kevin – Costume designer), Adey Greasley ( Scott – Chorographer) and Gemma Baxter ( Shirley Markowitz – Lighting designer) in "Keep It Gay" is one of many highlights to be found in this musical.

The play is absolutely crammed with various strange and wonderful characters, played by Lins Adlam (Hold Me – Touch Me), Alix Ashurst (Lick Me – Bite Me) and Clare Proctor (Kiss Me – Feel Me), Nicole Ray, Joanna Hayes, Kirstie Bennett & Sarah Wilson (Usherettes), Adrian Dobson(Stormtrooper), and Richard York (Mr Marks),

Many of the above also double up in several roles and sometimes the costume changes are so quick you almost wonder how they do it

And talking of costumes (Gemma Baxter), this is one musical that favours the outrageousness of the wardrobe department. One looks decidedly rude! But all are a delight for the eyes, as are the wigs (Natalie Littlewood).

Great sets and a rapid, and smooth turn around of sets, well managed by Ash Moulton and his crew.

Great lighting design (Kevin Cutts) and on the whole a well managed and clear sound design (Rob Temperton).

A well deserved standing ovation for a wonderfully funny musical and talented and hard working cast. Be prepared to have your chuckle muscles well and truly exercised.

“The Producers” is at Loughborough Town Hall until Saturday 9 March 2019