Jason Manford confirmed to star in Producers tour

It's been confirmed that, as previously reported by WhatsOnStage, comedian Jason Manford will star in a revival of The Producers on a UK and Ireland tour next year.

Manford, previously seen on stage in Sweeney Todd, will take on the role of downtrodden accountant Leo Bloom, who was played in the West End production by fellow comic Lee Evans.

"I'm so thrilled to be starring in my favourite musical of all time," Manford said. "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."

Brooks, who wrote and directed the 1967 film and co-wrote the stage adaptation, responded: "It's brilliant to see The Producers being brought to life again with this new production and I can't wait to see what Jason Manford brings to the role of Leo."

The story centres on New York producer Max Bialystock, who recruits timid accountant Leo Bloom to help him pull off Broadway's greatest scam. Together they aim to produce 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.

The Producers opens at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley from 6 to 14 March 2015, before visiting venues including Manchester, Edinburgh, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow and Dublin.

Directed by Matthew White (Top Hat), the tour is produced by Adam Spiegel. Further casting is still to be announced.