Harry Hill's X Factor musical to close early
Harry Hill's debut stage musical is to close 5 months earlier than planned.
Written with long-time musical collaborator Steve Brown, I Can't Sing! is a spoof of popular ITV talent competition format The X Factor, and has been running for just one month.
Starring former EastEnders actor Nigel Harman as Simon Cowell, the show had originally been scheduled to run at the London Palladium until at least October this year, but it was announced late yesterday - Saturday 26th April - that the final performance would now be held in just a fortnight's time, on Saturday 10th May.
The production was beset by technical problems in its early days, something not at all uncommon of new stage shows, and a string of early preview performances that had been originally scheduled to begin from 27th February 2014 were cancelled and postponed. Previews eventually commenced on 6th February, with a gala official opening night held on Wednesday 26th March.
I Can't Sing! is believed to have cost in the region of £6 million to produce, but despite glowing 4 and 5-star reviews from newspaper critics, commenting extremely positively on both its music and comedy, it is believed that ticket sales have been well below expectations.
Rebecca Quigley, CEO of co-producers Stage Entertainment UK, said in a statement: "We are sad to be bringing I Can't Sing! to a close but are immensely proud to have co-produced the show. The West End can be an unpredictable place as the closure of a number of high profile productions recently has shown.
"I Can't Sing! has had audiences on their feet night after night, four and five star reviews from the critics and an amazing company and creative team, but it seems that isn't always enough."
Tickets to see the remaining performances of I Can't Sing! are still available.
Here is the show's official trailer: