Paul Farnsworth News

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced that Toby Stephens will play Dr. Martin Dysart in Lindsay Posner's major revival of Peter Shaffer's Equus, in its co-production with Theatre Royal Bath.

The Producers has extended its run at the Garrick Theatre, with performances now booking until 19 September 2026. Learn more here!

Adapted by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan from Brooks’ 1968 film of the same name, with lyrics by Brooks and music by Brooks and Glen Kelly. As in the film, the story concerns two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich by overselling interests in a Broadway flop. Complications arise when the show unexpectedly turns out to be successful. What did the critics think of the show's transfer to the West End, after sell-out run at the Menier Chocolate factory?

It took over twenty years for a revival of Mel Brooks's The Producers to come to London and the diminutive Menier Chocolate Factory more than held its own for a sold-out and universally well-received show. Now it makes a triumphant move to the West End's Garrick Theatre and continues to prove that great comedy is simply timeless. 

The full creative team has been announced for the West End Transfer of The Menier Chocolate Factory's production of The Producers with book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, and music & lyrics by Mel Brooks.

Good things come to those who wait. Last seen in the West End way back in 2004, starring Nathan Lane and Lee Evans, Mel Brooks' satirical work of genius, The Producers, has finally goose-stepped its way to a glorious return to the London stage at the wonderful Menier Chocolate Factory.

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced the full cast for Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan’s The Producers. Learn more about the cast here!

The Menier Chocolate Factory just celebrated opening night of Gordon Greenberg’s production of The Baker’s Wife – with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Joseph Stein.  Let's see what the London critics are saying!

A gentler offering from Stephen Schwartz’s catalogue, this immersive show whisks you away to a time long past with a phenomenal ensemble who find the heart and soul in their characters. Perhaps the mistake made 50 years ago was attempting to bring The Baker’s Wife to a larger space. In the Menier’s intimate space, it makes for a real treat.

Deeply mining the scores of four musicals Jerry Herman is best known for (Hello, Dolly, Mame, Mack & Mabel, La Cage Aux Folles), with a handful from others like Dear World and Parade, this will appeal to Herman devotees and musical generalists alike.

All new rehearsal photos have been released for Jerry's Girls at Menier Chocolate Factory. Check out the photos here!

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced initial casting for The Baker's Wife – with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Joseph Stein. Learn more about the cast here!

Jessica Martin will join Cassidy Janson and Julie Yammanee to complete the company for the revival of Jerry Herman’s JERRY’S GIRLS at The Menier Chocolate Factory. Learn how to purchase tickets.

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced full casting for the revival of Jerry Herman’s JERRY’S GIRLS. Hannah Chissick directs Cassidy Janson, Lyn Paul and Julie Yammanee. 

Early in Power of Sail, we learn it’s firmly set in 2019. A mere year later, the world would face a global pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement and online misinformation reaching its peak as right-wing have been given bigger platforms to express their hate under the guise of freedom of speech. Still

Matthew White’s latest creation is stunning and Sondheim’s score remains beautiful. White doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to condemning the actions depicted, though at the very end his vision seems to suddenly shift all the violence into the necessary evil that kick-started Japan’s technological advancement. Questionable, but interesting.

The Menier Chocolate Factory has released all new rehearsal photos for their co-production with the Umeda Arts Theater of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Pacific Overtures.

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced full casting for their co-production with the Umeda Arts Theater of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Pacific Overtures. 

When Holly Martins arrives in Vienna to start a new job after the Second World War, he learns that his childhood friend Harry Lime died a few days prior. A broke novelist who was promised a cut in his business, he finds Harry’s sudden death suspicious and starts to investigate. Considered one of the best British films, it was only a matter of time before Carol Reed and Graham Greene’s 1949 film The Third Man received the musical treatment. With words by Don Black and Christopher Hampton and music by George Fenton, this premiere is a mid-weight noir directed by Trevor Nunn. While the cast is often impressive, the background against which the plot unravels is far more interesting than the story itself.

With Marjorie Prime currently running at the company's home base in South London and Funny Girl on Broadway, the Menier Chocolate Factory announced forthcoming programming for 2023. Learn more about the lineup here!