Leigh funnyman and music aficionado Phill Jupitus is going to be playing the part of Franz Liebkind in the production of the award-winning show the Producers, at the Cliffs Pavilion in April.

It hits the Westcliff stage from Tuesday, April 7, until Saturday, April 11. He joins comedian Jason Manford and dancer and choreographer Louie Spence.

Based on Mel Brooks’s beloved Academy Award-winning movie, the Producers is a musical comedy that has taken Broadway and the West End by storm, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards.

The story is set around impoverished New York producer Max Bialystock, who recruits downtrodden accountant Leo Bloom (played by Manford) to help him pull off Broadway’s greatest scam. Together they aim to produce the worst show in history and run away to Rio with millions, but they learn that showbusiness can always find a way to kick you in the teeth.

Phil shares the role of Franz Liebkind – the short-fused, carrier pigeon-keeping, former Nazi, brought on board by Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom to help them in their plot to put on the worst musical of all time – with comedian Ross Noble.

Louie Spence plays his flamboyant assistant Carmen Ghia.

Adam Spiegel, producer of the show, said: “The Producers is the biggest, funniest Broadway musical of all time. It’s filled with fabulous costumes, glamorous dancing girls, hysterical show-tunes and an incredible live band.

“With a cast of the most celebrated, well-loved comedians in the UK today and the very best singers and dancers from London’s West End, this production of Mel Brook’s record-breaking, award-winning comedy is guaranteed to be a hilarious night out.”

n For tickets, from £25.50, call 01702 351135 or visit southend theatres.org.uk