Richards will play one of the lead characters, Max Vialystock, in Mel Brooks’ The Producers, a musical comedy about two producers, who scheme to become rich by advertising a Broadway flop.

Vialystock and coproducer Leo Bloom find the worst play ever written, Springtime for Hitler, a Gay Romp with Adolf and Eva at Berchtesgaden, written by a neo-Nazi playwright.

It is a far cry from Richards’ first play.

He played the lead role in Bye Bye Birdy at the Independent Theatre Company, Newcastle despite having no prior acting experience or lessons.

“I loved the movie Bye Bye Birdy and rang up the director because I thought I could do it.”

After starring in countless plays, Richards became involved in musicals.

“My first musical was Oliver and I won a City of Newcastle Drama Award for it in 1985.”

Richards found that musicals were his favourite productions to work in.

“I love musicals. You have to create the character through the songs.”

Although Richards loves what he does, he finds his new role more demanding than previous ones.

“The Producers is a huge role for an old man of 64, it’s very physical, a lot of running from one end of the stage to the other.”

And for the last 11 years, Richards has taught a course in musicals.

The classes are held Monday nights at the Dancing and Performing Arts, Beaumont Street from 8pm.

The Producers will be at the Civic Theatre, Newcastle from September 17 to 24. Tickets are $45 a person, $39 for concession, phone 4929 1977.