"DON’T be stupid, be a smartie, come and join The Producers party."

Classic film The Producers came to Manchester this week as a dazzling musical with added Hitler hilarity.

The story follows washed up Broadway man max Bialystock and timid accountant Leo Bloom as they hit on a plan to make them rich requiring a flop rather than a hit show and decide a love letter to Hitler can't fail to bomb.

There follows a gloriously camp musical which had the audience roaring with laughter and cheering them along from start to finish.

Comedian Jason Manford was a revelation showing off his surprisingly good singing voice and nifty footwork as the bumbling but endearing Leo while former Pineapple Dance Studios star Louie Spence provided added razzle and dazzle with his high kicks and pirouettes.

With so many well-known TV faces in the cast (and I haven’t even mentioned the lederhosen-wearing Phill Jupitus as Franz yet) it might have been difficult for a lesser known theatre actor to stand out.

But Cory English gave a barnstorming performance with his portrayal of the fast-talking Max.

Songs throughout the Mel Brooks musical were delivered with great wit and energy including the showstopper ‘Springtime for Hitler and Germany’ accompanied by Nazi storm troopers in glittering suits and eight foot sparkling 'heil Hitler' arms.

Politically incorrect it may be but this goose stepping evening of Führer fun was a hit with the audience.

In fact, as Max would say, I would write out a ‘chequey’ tomorrow to see it all again.

Catch The Producers at the Palace Theatre until Saturday.