COMEDIAN Ross Noble is set to make his mainstream stage debut back in his native North-East

The stand-up star, perhaps best known for appearances on panel shows such as Have I Got News For You and QI, is to make his musical theatre debut at Sunderland Empire this week.

The Cramlington-born comedian is to appear in a star-studded stage version of the Mel Brooks hit The Producers, performing alongside fellow funnyman Jason Manford.

The story centres on an attempt to create the worst Broadway musical of all time, including the famous song Springtime For Hitler.

The award-winning tour opens tonight (May 11) at the Empire starring Phill Jupitus in the role of Franz Liebkind, with Ross Noble taking over the part for the last two shows on Friday and Saturday (May 15-16).

He said: “When the opportunity came up to make my debut in the show a couple of days early in the North-East I jumped at the chance.

“I'm sure I'll get a warm reception as a Geordie in Sunderland but if they do have a problem with it, luckily I'm playing a German.

“I had a great time in Sunderland filming my TV show Freewheeling so it will be nice to be back this time causing a little less trouble.”

Tickets, priced from £12.90 to £48.90, can be purchased from the Box Office on High Street West, Sunderland. Alternatively, you can purchase via the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022, or online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland.