NORTHERN comics Jason Manford and Ross Noble leave behind their own gags to star in Mel Brooks's Broadway musical The Producers at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday to Saturday.

Manford plays timid accountant Leo Bloom, while Noble takes the role of Franz Liebkind, the short-fused, carrier pigeon-keeping former Nazi, brought on board by Bloom and New York producer Max Bialystock to help them in their plot to pull off Broadway's greatest scam.

Impoverished by a string of flops, Bialystock (Cory English) recruits the downtrodden Bloom to help him put on the worst show ever and run away to Rio with millions, but they learn that showbusiness can always find a way to kick you in the teeth when Springtime For Hitler turns out to be anything but a flop.

“I’m so thrilled to be starring in my favourite musical of all time," says Manford. "Mel Brooks is a genius and I’m so excited to be playing the iconic role he created. The show is a riot of laughs from start to finish.”

Ross enthuses: “I'm very excited about appearing in The Producers. I'm a huge fan of the show and for anyone who loves comedy, the chance to perform the work of Mel Brooks is amazing.”

Tickets for the 7.30pm evening shows and 2.30pm Wednesday and Saturday matinees can be booked on 0844 848 2700 or at leedsgrandtheatre.com