“The Producers” by Beeston Musical Theatre Group
Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton

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. While this sounds an easy task, all does not go quite as they had both planned!

Adam Guest (Max) makes every role he takes on, his own, and this is one role that really pushes an actor because of the pace of the show, and there aren't many scenes that Max is not in. He really shines in the song "Betrayed" when his speed singing is put to the test; a test that he passes with flying colours. A brilliant comedy role, which Adam really excels at.

Jarrod Makin (Leo) makes his BMTG debut, but this is Jarrod's second time playing Leo. Everything in this role is the opposite of what an actor should be doing. His nervousness, as Leo, is great fun to watch, and Leo's slightly out of step dancing with Ulla in Act One, is balanced out by some of the brilliant dance numbers in Act Two, resplendent in tux and looking every inch a Hollywood Producer. Jarrod and Adam have great chemistry, on and off stage,and it shows in this performance.

Charlotte Howarth (Ulla) is great fun to watch with that Svedish accent,and it's lovely to see her getting a chance to show off what a fun actor she is in this principal role.

Kevin Chatten (Franz Liebkind) is one of those actors who can act and make people laugh by not doing very much at all, he just has funny bones, and this comedy character is right up Kev's autobahn. Over the top and with his own comic ensemble of birds - feathered ones - who add to the fun.

John Hand (Roger de Bris), like Kev's role, this part was made for John. He very naturally slips into the character (ooer missus!) and does camp so well. Over the top De Bris may be, but he is such a brilliant character to play and John is excellent in this part.

Jorge Diniz (Carmen Ghia). I've seen Jorge in several roles and every role has been completely different, showing his range, not only in comedy and character but in vocals as well. Another debut for BMTG, and another brilliant character-driven role.

This show has a massive ensemble with some incredible costumes and dance numbers, looking as if Hollywood had popped in to Long Eaton for the week.

Lucy Castle choreographed the numbers and provided much glitz and glamour to the proceedings.

Directed by George Lamb and Lucy Castle, I spotted a couple of things that could be tightened up on, but this was opening night and normally the night that the Director(s) tweak and tighten. Nothing major needed and probably unnoticed by everyone else.

The Orchestra,and at twelve, I suppose this is big enough to called an orchestra, sounded wonderful, even though I noticed one occasion where they came in a beat too early and threw Jarrod off ever so slightly in Act One, but after that, the timing was spot on.Musically Directed by Chris Toon.

The soundtrack is full of memorable tunes, all with that 1940's style Hollywood feel. Written by Mel Brooks who injects some brilliant comic lines within the lyrics, from the very start, all the way through to "Goodbye", but also listen to the words of "'Till Him" which is Brooks in a more serious song-writing mode.

A very colourful affair thanks to the incredible costumes, thanks to Mina Holtom, as well as the lighting, designed and engineered by David Martin and Laura Olding.

Sound design by Tom Olding, and the only thing I would say is that the actor's mics could have had just a tad more volume in parts, but apart from that, Tom did a cracking job.

All in all this is another big success from Beeston Musical Theatre Group. I was a bit surprised that this show was not sold out but looked to be about 80% full.

It's big, bright, a little bit rude and extremely camp, everything I love, and you'll love from a musical which doesn't take itself too seriously. If you need a pick me up this week, then this is just what the theatrical doctor ordered.

”The Producers” is at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton until Saturday 2 November