Nathan Lane (left) and Lee Evans are the stars of The Producers

It was Broadway's biggest recent hit and stars Lee Evans and Nathan Lane for its London run. Lane replaced actor Richard Dreyfuss at the last minute.

Creator and director Mel Brooks told the Theatre Royal crowd: "So much for British reserve, you people should be arrested for disorderly conduct."

Stars including actress Barbara Windsor and singer Elaine Paige attended.

Brooks went on stage to take the standing ovation with the actors and thank the crowd.

Before the show I was trying to get my nerves sorted but it's impossible Lee Evans

"This is one of the best nights of my life," he said. "This is a cast worth paying, I'm telling you.

"They are so damned good, this ensemble. All of them are exceptionally gifted and talented people, and I thank them."

Evans, known as a zany stand-up comedian and star of films including Mouse Hunt and The Martins, said he suffered from opening night nerves.

"The pressure is on really and before the show, I was trying to get my nerves sorted but it's impossible," he said.

"I've been working with everybody for six weeks getting everything right and this is the big moment. One mess-up and I've let everyone down."

The Producers began as a 1968 movie before being adapted for the stage and winning a record 12 Tony Awards - Broadway's biggest prizes - in 2001.

It starred Lane and Hollywood actor Matthew Broderick at that time - and the pair are now also heading for a movie remake.

Lane stepped into the West End role just days before previews were due to begin in October after Dreyfuss had injuries that made it difficult "to fulfil the rigours of the role".

TV presenters Esther Rantzen and Bruce Forsyth, comedians Paul O'Grady and Jack Dee and composer Lord Lloyd-Webber were also in the audience on Tuesday.