Veteran actor Andy Nyman is radiating palpable excitement as he discusses the triumphant return of The Producers to the London stage. In an exclusive interview, the acclaimed performer opens up about reprising his role in Mel Brooks' legendary musical comedy, which has just opened at the West End's Garrick Theatre.
For Nyman, this production represents far more than just another acting job. It's a heartfelt tribute to the genius of Mel Brooks and a celebration of a show that fundamentally reshaped Broadway and West End musical theatre. "It's just a privilege to be in it," Nyman states, his enthusiasm infectious. "The show is a masterpiece. It's just perfect."
The Brooks Effect: Working With Comedy Royalty
Nyman's relationship with the iconic Mel Brooks adds a deeply personal layer to his performance. He doesn't just perform the material; he embodies the spirit of the man who created it. Having developed a close bond with Brooks, Nyman brings unique insight into the comedy legend's creative process.
"He's everything you want him to be and more," Nyman reveals. "He's the greatest storyteller I've ever met." This connection allows Nyman to channel Brooks' distinctive voice and comic timing, creating a performance that feels both fresh and authentically rooted in the source material.
A Triumphant Return to London's Garrick Theatre
The new production arrives with significant pedigree, directed by the original Broadway choreographer and Tony Award winner Susan Stroman. Nyman portrays Franz Liebkind, the eccentric Nazi playwright—a role originally made famous on stage by Brad Oscar and on screen by Will Ferrell.
Despite the character's controversial background, Nyman finds the humanity in Liebkind. "He's not a Nazi; he's an idiot," he explains, highlighting the show's clever subversion of expectations and its ability to find comedy in unexpected places.
The production comes full circle for London theatre, marking a triumphant return for a show that originally took the West End by storm nearly two decades ago. For audiences at the Garrick Theatre, it represents both a nostalgic reunion and a fresh discovery of one of musical theatre's greatest achievements.
More Than Laughs: The Legacy of The Producers
Beyond the relentless jokes and show-stopping musical numbers, Nyman believes The Producers carries a deeper significance. In today's world, where offence is easily taken, the show's bold, boundary-pushing humour serves as an important reminder of comedy's power to challenge and provoke.
"Comedy should be dangerous," Nyman argues. "It should walk a tightrope." This production continues that tradition, bringing Mel Brooks' fearless comic vision to a new generation of theatregoers while reminding longtime fans why they fell in love with the show in the first place.
As the curtain rises on this latest chapter, Andy Nyman and the company are delivering more than just a night of entertainment—they're preserving a vital piece of theatrical history while proving that great comedy, like truly great art, only improves with age.
