“Ze Fuhrer wasn’t a mousy little mama’s boy! Ze Fuhrer was BUTCH!!”
Fans of The Producers will know that line, delivered with wild-eyed gusto by none other than Franz Liebkind—the ex-Nazi pigeon-keeper and author of Springtime for Hitler. We catch up with Ben Greenall who is playing our favourite Na….well, not favourite…you know…
Q: You’ve played Franz before—and won a NODA award! What made you want to do it again?
A: The show is incredible, and the part is so so fun, Franz was my first role in amdram so doing the part gives me a chance to show myself how much I’ve grown as a person since.
Q: What do you think makes Franz such a standout character in the show?
A: Mel Brooks made the person who’s playing Franz’s life so easy, the writing is INCREDIBLE. The comedy is impeccable.
Q: How do you approach the comedy in such a controversial role?
A: It’s important to make sure you know that everyone is the butt of the joke in this show, regardless of who you are, there’s no isolated victim of any one joke. That said, Franz doesn’t really say too much that’s offensive in the show, aside from his fangirl obsession with a certain you-know-who, so it’s important to keep up the campiness and ridiculousness.
Q: What’s different about playing Franz this time around?
A: This time I am far more experienced and The Producers has gone on to be one of my favourite shows. I am bringing as much energy as I can to rehearsals and helping people wherever I can to understand the show. I am also extremely excited to work with Neil as he is an incredible director of comedy and I can’t wait to see how he squeezes every drop of comedy out of the script.
Q: Do you have a favorite scene or moment as Franz?
A: The Audition scene is such a fun song and I had so much fun animating the character last time, I can’t wait to run it again and see what kinds of insanity I can dial in!
Q: What would you say to someone who’s never seen The Producers?
A: The Producers is an incredible piece of theatre and there’s a reason that the 2001 production still holds the record for the most Tony awards for a single production!
Catch Ben Greenall as Franz Liebkind in Zodiac Theatre Group’s uproarious production of The Producers.
📅 Wednesday 29th October – Saturday 1st November 2025
📍 The Hammond, Mannings Lane, Chester, CH2 4ES
**Bring a group – 11th ticket free, automatic discount at checkout**
Follow us on our socials for more behind-the-scenes interviews and cast content!
