It’s a yes from me: Simon Cowell judges X Factor spoof musical

 
brendanfoster | photography
7 February 2014
The Weekender

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Poor Nigel Harman. Halfway through a rehearsal for his role as a parody version of X Factor boss Simon Cowell, who should walk in but … Simon Cowell.

The cast of I Can’t Sing!, a musical based on the X Factor, spent a nervous hour performing in front of Cowell after he made a surprise visit.

He walked into the London studios just as former EastEnders star Harman, 40, was in the middle of a song.

The 54-year-old, who had jetted in from New York, sat down in the middle of the room — and stayed there. A source said: “It was a little bit like Nigel was auditioning for The X Factor, with Simon sat right in front of him.

“It was really awkward at first because obviously the musical is a parody of The X Factor and Simon. But he found the rehearsals really funny and thought Nigel did a great job.

“He even took him aside and gave him some advice.”

The musical, written by comedian Harry Hill, pokes fun at the reality TV show franchise.

It follows the story of pop hopeful Chenice, played by The Colour Purple actress Cynthia Erivo, who lives in a caravan with a talking dog.

One of the songs Harman performs, called Fabulous, claims to reveal the reason behind Cowell’s high-waisted trousers.

He sings: “When I was a young boy at school, the others would treat me so cruel. The bully would hide in a hedge, he would jump out and give me a wedgie.”

The songs also include digs at stars such as Geri Halliwell and James Blunt, and lyrics about hopefuls who want to be “like George Michael with better parking, like Robbie Williams but not as barking”.

But Cowell has taken all the ribbing firmly on the chin.

After watching yesterday’s rehearsals he said: “Every time I see this it gets even better and funnier. I can’t wait to see it on stage.”

The musical is due to open at the London Palladium in March, with previews starting from February 27.

The music and lyrics have been written by Steve Brown, who won an Evening Standard Theatre Award for Spend Spend Spend. It is being directed by double Olivier Award winner Sean Foley.

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