And now it's springtime...

I'd heard it was good (partly why I booked tickets so far in advance), but I have to say The Producers managed to exceed even my already high expectations. It's almost effortlessly excellent - one of those rare shows that makes it's brilliance seem so easy and natural that you wonder why most everything else fails to reach the same standard.

Nathan Lane, replacing Richard Dreyfuss who dropped out at the last moment citing health issues, is simply incredible. No one could argue that it's his show and it's difficult to imagine anyone else in the role he seems born to play. His comic timing is beyond reproach and he owns the stage each time he appears upon it. Lee Evens copes admirably as Lane's partner in crime - although his singing is a touch weak compared to the rest of the cast, he more than makes up for it with his performance. His flailing limbs brand of comedy is ideally suited to the role and his rapport with Lane seems genuine.

Every aspect of the show melds together beautifully. The pacing is pitch perfect, the choreography stunning, and there's not a duff song in the score. And it's funny. Not just laugh out loud funny, but laugh until your sides are sore and you're begging them to stop funny. It's the best show I've seen in an age by a considerable margin. I've spent the past several years dragging people to see The Lion King, and whilst that remains a fantastic example of what can be accomplished on stage, The Producers is something equally wonderful yet entirely different.

Book your tickets now. It really is that good.