‘I said there was no reason to make it a musical!’ Mel Brooks on The Producers’ West End transfer

Veteran director, who originally opposed adapting 1967 film for the stage, is very proud' as Menier Chocolate Factory production will move to London's Garrick theatre

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced that its acclaimed production of The Producers is to transfer to the West End this autumn. Having sold out its three-month run at the 180-seat London venue before first night, it is set to move to the Garrick theatre. But according to its original creator Mel Brooks, the musical might never have happened at all.

The 98-year-old Brooks has told the Guardian he was initially reluctant to adapt his 1967 movie for the stage. Only through the persistence of a producer did he relent.