Audiences in Bromley may well have seen Jason Manford on stage before but it’s unlikely you’ve witnessed the comedian sing and dance.

Well, get ready to because Jason is taking on the lead role of Leo Bloom in the stage adaptation of Mel Brooks’ Oscar-winning smash The Producers.

Though he has appeared on stage before – to good reviews in Sweeney Todd in the West End – Jason is more used to telling jokes and said the show represents a ‘massive challenge’.

The 33-year-old from Salford told Vibe: “To be on stage that long singing and acting and dancing is terrifying really.

“I’m on stage with loads of different people, which is unusual for me.

“It’s a well-loved show that loads of brilliant people of done: Matthew Broderick, Gene Wilder, Lee Evans – there’s some big shoes to fill there.”

While it is a challenge, the comedian is looking forward to it.

He said: “I can’t wait. It’s one of my favourite musicals, if not the favourite musical. To be in and to be the lead is just amazing.”

The Producers has already had successful incarnations in the West End and Broadway, winning hatfuls of awards, and simply being cast is a triumph for Jason. Particularly since comedy legend Mel Brooks was involved in the process.

Jason said: “As far as I know, he has to sign off everyone who plays a part and he flies over for some of the rehearsals. It’s pretty nerve-wracking.”

He joked: “Somebody will have sent my DVD over to him and he will have had a look and thought ‘yeah, he’ll do’.”

The show starts at The Churchill Theatre in Bromley from March 6 to 14 before heading off around the country on tour.

Jason said: “I think it is a real testament to the theatre and the people of Bromley that a production of this size is going to start in Bromley. It is an audience who know what they like.

“I’m going to be absolutely cacking it (on the first night). I’ll be staying in Bromley for two weeks so I’ll have to find something to do during the day too.

Joining Jason on tour is Pineapple dance star Louie Spence, who is set to play the flamboyant assistant Carmen Ghia until May 2.

News Shopper: Louie Spence has been named as a judge for the new series of Dancing On Ice

Jason said: “I’ve worked with him a couple of times and he’s great fun. In a way I’m glad he’s only doing eight weeks because I reckon he will be a right force of nature.

“At the same time, it’s sort of genius casting. His song is ‘Keep it Gay’ and he’s the first person I think of when I hear that song now.”

He added: “That’s going to be the interesting thing, seeing him restricted to what someone else has said.

“The thing about him is the Louis Spence that we don’t see is a disciplined performer who has worked very hard to get where he is.

“He’s a fabulous mover. I’ve done a couple of things with him and he is unbelievable.”

Jason Manford stars in The Producers at The Churchill Theatre, Bromley, from March 6 to 14. Go to atgtickets.com/Bromley. His latest live DVD First World Problems is out now.