WHEN a musical has achieved numerous accolades in the form of Olivier and Tony awards, you can't help but have high expectations before going to watch it.

Thankfully, The Producers lives up to its award-winning status and doesn't disappoint.

The hilarious musical comedy is set in New York where producer Max Bialystock (Cory English) hires accountant Leo Bloom (Jason Manford) to sort out his finances, which aren't looking too good following a string of flops.

Bumbling Bloom, a self-proclaimed loser and coward, unwittingly comes up with a rather unethical, and possibly illegal, way to bring in more money - by knowingly producing a film that's a flop and cashing in from the money raised to fund it.

Following a little persuasion, Bloom quits his dull desk job, leaving behind his bullying boss to embark on a new adventure with Bialystock.

The pair search high and low for the worst musical ever written, which brings them to former Nazi Franz Liebkind, hilariously played by Ross Noble.

The stand-up comedian was rewarded with the biggest laughs for his portrayal of the crazed, eccentric pigeon carrier.

It's just a shame he didn't feature more prominently throughout the show.

Of course, Bloom and Bialystock's mission does not go without a hitch, and the audience follows their journey from one moment of hilarity to the next as they are determined to pull off their stunt, meeting some fabulous comical characters along the way.

Their journey takes them to the garish boudoir of Roger De Bris, played by David Bedella, who delivers a delightfully camp and flamboyant performance dressed in a sparkly outfit complete with tiara.

While back at base the pair instantly offer Ulla (Tiffany Graves) a part in their new show - and a job as their secretary, after she strips down to her underwear!

Perhaps one of the funniest moments is a musical number involving a posse of amorous grannies, who totter around on stage in pursuit of sexual favours!

Manford has a surprisingly good singing voice, often delivering some of the funniest lines via the musical numbers in a high-energy performance.

The Producers, based on Mel Brooks' Academy Award-winning film, really does have everything you could want from a musical - comedy, sparkling costumes, glamorous dancing girls, big show tunes and some fine acting.

It is completely bonkers, but utterly entertaining, and the cast certainly earn their standing ovation each evening.

Box office: 02380 711811, mayflower.org.uk