Raj Ghatak (The Producers)

After an incredibly successful run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, The Producers has transferred to the West End and is currently delighting audiences at the Garrick Theatre. The Producers is a riotous musical comedy written by Mel Brooks which follows the misadventures of two scheming producers who set out to stage the biggest flop in Broadway History. Packed with outrageous humour, show stopping numbers and a satirical edge, The Producers has secured 12 Tony awards. We took the opportunity to speak with Raj Ghatak, who is starring in the show as Carmen Ghia, to tell us more.

Q) Hello. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Before we begin, please could you introduce yourself and tell us about The Producers?

Hi there, I’m Raj Ghatak and I play Carmen Ghia in The Producers. It’s a musical comedy written by the genius Mel Brooks and it's about two Broadway Producers who realise they can make a fortune by putting on a flop.

Q) Please could you tell us a bit more about your character Carmen Ghia and what drew you to the role?

Carmen is Roger De Bris' "Common Law Assistant” as he says in the show. Carmen is the man behind the man, the power behind the throne. He’s funny, stylish and hopelessly in love with Roger. They live in a bubble together, and Max and Leo enter our strange little world and can’t quite believe what they see. Playing a character like that is always fun! The extremity of reality, characterisations and costume always help too. But to be believable it has to be anchored in truth.

Q) Following it’s sold out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, how are you feeling now that you get to reprise your role at the Garrick?

I’m really excited to revisit the show and the character. Strangely The Producers and Carmen is a show/role I never thought I’d be in/play, and yet here we are. The show’s run at the Chocolate Factory is the stuff dreams are made of. We were sold out before we’d even finished rehearsing the show, and the audience response was incredible.

Q) Given how well loved the show is, do you find there is a lot of pressure and responsibility to maintain the show's reputation?

The Producers is an EXTREMELY well-loved show. In terms of provenance, it holds the record for the most number of Tony Award wins at 12 (Hamilton won 11), so there is pressure to deliver. This is the first time the show has been revived since it was last on at the Drury Lane 20 years ago, so yes, I think there is an expectation and hope for us to do well. The writing and music are excellent, so that’s half the battle really.

Q) Carmen is extremely flamboyant and fabulous; do you see any parts of yourself in the character?

I think that depends on who you speak to hahaha! Personally I can relate to Carmen’s sense of style and some fashion choices. In terms of fabulosity (for want of a better word) I’ve been told there is an overlap between my lifestyle and Carmen’s. The kids have used the word ‘bougie’ which makes me laugh. If you don’t know any different, it’s hard to say, is what Carmen would say.

Q) In the film, your character is well known for their iconic yesssssssssssss. Do you have your own version and what is the longest yes you've done?

Ah yessssssssss, that is one of Carmen’s memorable moments. That is in the show, and personally I think if it’s not broke don’t fix it. It is in the show, and I do pay homage to the original. In terms of length of time, I’m not really sure to be honest. It’s an organic thing you feel with the audience. Some nights you feel you can go longer than others. But what you don’t want to do is be too long and kill the joke. It’s all in the timing!

Q) You said on social media that Mel Brooks personally approved you for the role. Did you have a chance to speak with him, and did he offer you any advice?

Yes, Mel Brooks did personally approve me for the role, which is something I shall remember forever! The theatre geek inside me and my inner child jump for joy whenever I think about it honestly. Although in a strange way it can add some pressure too, as I don’t want to let him down. Mel was very kind and sent a video message to us all for our first day at the Menier Chocolate Factory, encouraging and supporting us. He left a message announcing the transfer of the show to the West End on the final performance at the Chocolate Factory. Mel also left us a message for our first day of rehearsal encouraging us, and telling us he hoped we wouldn’t get it wrong and mess up. Classic Mel Brooks!

Q) Have there been any challenges adapting the show to the larger space of the Garrick?

We have more on stage space, so we’re exploring our options while in rehearsal. Some things are changing, others staying the same; it’s a bit too early to say. But if there are challenges, we’ll conquer them collectively. The cast and crew, the whole team are simply superb.

Q) And lastly, please tell us why we should see the show and what we should expect?

If you want to see a show of theatre excellence, rude jokes and belly laugh, we’re the show for you! The writing, the music, choreography and performances are all stunning and you’ll laugh so much, which is what we all need right now. The audiences at the Menier Chocolate Factory all laughed hard, and are hopefully coming back for more. I hope to see you at the Garrick!

The Producers is currently running at the Garrick Theatre until 21st February 2026.

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Quest Interviewer: Craig Harry (@craigusharryus) | Photography by Manuel Harlan