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THE PRODUCERS
THE SMASH-HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL COMEDY

Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea

Tuesday 7th April to Saturday 11th April 2015
Discovering that the first act alone of this show was going to be an hour and a half long and also, after a delay of 15 minutes of the show going up, I anticipated that I would probably be nodding off before the interval.  I could not have been more wrong!

This show has an infectious energy that keeps you wanting more from the moment Max Bialystock graces the stage as the hopeless producer of numerous flops, right up to the zaniest finale of a show you could ever hope to see.

This production is powered along by Cory English in the main role of Max Bialystock and he gives an outstanding performance in this epic role.  He is matched, with an equally tremendous performance, by comedian, Jason Manford as Leo Bloom, the over anxious, nervous wreck of an accountant who relies on his blue blankie for comfort.  One thing is for certain, he clearly didn't get this part for being just a 'name'.  Jason Manford can really sing, ladies and gentlemen! He also happens to be a cracking actor to boot. His portrayal of Bloom is spot on.

Another popular comedian in the cast - Southend's Phill Jupitus - totally plays up the part of crazy Nazi and slightly psychotic, Franz Liebkind for all it's worth, much to the delight of the home crowd audience. 

The cast is complete with award winning David Bedella playing Roger du Bris along with the bendiest, craziest, most over-excitable dancer this side of Pineapple Studios, Louis Spence, who to all intents and purposes seems to be playing.....well....himself really.  His fancy pirouettes, twirls, leaps and cartwheels across the stage send the audience into fits of laughter. He is simply perfectly cast as Roger du Bris’ personal assistant, Carmen Ghia.  

With the gorgeous Tiffany Graves as Ulla the Swedish nymphomaniac who becomes their receptionist (gents - try not to dribble), The Producers can surely boast to having one of the most stellar touring casts right now.  This may be the reason why there is such a good audience turn out on opening night. A lot of people seem to be here because they are fans of Jason Manford,  Phill Jupitus or Louis Spence. However it is clear from the huge cheers at the curtain call, that the audience have been more than impressed by the performances and musical theatre has certainly bagged a few more recruits as a result.

The story takes us from Bialistock and Bloom's initial meeting when accountant Leo arrives to do Max’s books.   Leo, who has dreams of being a producer himself, remarks that a flop production would actually make more money than a hit and to avoid the tax man's wrath, they then join forces and attempt to put on what they believe will be a guaranteed flop by finding the worst play ever written.  After reading scripts throughout the night they find ‘Springtime for Hitler’ written by Fuhrer loving, escapee Nazi, Liebkind.  They then recruit Roger De Bris, the worst director in town and from hereon in each number brings with it more and more laughs. Mel Brooks' score is absolute comedy genius and I can't remember a musical show where I was literally laughing every few minutes throughout . 

The principals are supported by a fabulous, hugely energetic and colourful chorus with some highly imaginative and fun choreography assigned to this production, thanks to Lee Proud.

For a truly hilarious night out, where time will literally whizz by, look no further than The Cliffs Pavilion this week. You won't be disappointed. Seriously, if you don't enjoy it, I'll eat my Swastika!
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What the audience thought
Emma Bennett, Canvey Island “I thought it was fantastic - Jason Manford was a big pull. I’m really glad I came, I feel really energetic now. It was a real eye explosion!”



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Lesley Jones, Canvey Island “I’m a really big Jason Manford fan. He has a really amazing voice. I thought that Cory English as Max Bialystock was brilliant, especially the bit in Act 2 when he’s on the toilet!”

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