Richard Kind Returns as Max Bialystock in The Producers

Updated 04-03-26

The Producers is about to welcome a familiar comic force back to the role that helped define it. Richard Kind will step into the West End revival at the Garrick Theatre as Max Bialystock for a strictly limited seven week run from Monday 23 March.

Kind joins the critically acclaimed production opposite Marc Antolin’s Leo Bloom while Andy Nyman temporarily departs the show to open the world premiere of The Psychic at York Theatre Royal. Nyman will return to the role of Max from 11 May.

For fans of Mel Brooks’ legendary musical comedy, Kind’s casting feels like a perfect fit. He previously played Max Bialystock on Broadway in 2004, taking over the role from Nathan Lane, and later reprised it at the Hollywood Bowl in 2012. Now he brings that experience back to London for what promises to be a memorable stretch at the Garrick.

Kind said, “Mel Brooks is a genius. Every time I come back to The Producers, I’m reminded what a comic masterpiece it is. The jokes, the infectious energy of the story, the sheer audacity of it all, it still feels as fresh as ever. I’m so thrilled to be returning to the iconic role of Max Bialystock. This is a hat trick for me. They just can’t keep me away. I’ll be sure to keep Andy’s fedora warm for his return, and I’m excited to dive into rehearsals. It’s good to be back.”

Mel Brooks himself welcomed the news with typical enthusiasm, saying, “When I learned we needed an actor to briefly fill Andy’s nearly unfillable shoes, only one name came to mind. Richard Kind is a true force of nature. He’s got enough talent and energy to fill two stages. I am beyond thrilled for audiences at The Garrick to experience his Max Bialystock. London, get ready. You’re in for a hilarious ride.”

The revival of The Producers has been one of the most talked about musical events in London since transferring from its sold out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Directed by Patrick Marber, the production has been widely praised for rediscovering the anarchic brilliance of Mel Brooks’ musical satire.

Based on Brooks’ cult film, the story follows struggling Broadway producer Max Bialystock and timid accountant Leo Bloom as they attempt to stage the biggest flop in theatre history. When their deliberately awful show becomes an unexpected hit, chaos follows.

Marc Antolin continues to delight audiences as Leo Bloom, alongside Trevor Ashley as Roger DeBris, Raj Ghatak as Carmen Ghia, Harry Morrison as Franz Liebkind and Joanna Woodward as Ulla. Together the company brings the kind of precision comic timing and musical energy that has made the production a critical and audience favourite.

Richard Kind’s arrival adds another layer of theatrical history to the show. With a career spanning Broadway, film and television including Only Murders in the Building, Spin City and Pixar favourites like Inside Out and A Bug’s Life, his return to Max Bialystock is sure to draw both theatre lovers and comedy fans alike.

For seven weeks only, the Garrick Theatre will host a Broadway legend stepping back into one of musical theatre’s greatest comic roles.

And if Mel Brooks is right, London should prepare for a hilarious ride.

Get tickets from the official site HERE