I love a musical and, as long as the songs are good, I can deal with almost any plot. The concept of the X Factor is a natural context for a musical parody but I admit that I was slightly sceptical about ‘I Can’t Sing’ and had envisaged the controlling hands of Simon Cowell all over it.
This is countered by good comedy credentials, as the show was written by BAFTA winning comedian Harry Hill, and has strong musical provenance with songs composed by Steve Brown. Combined with the influence of Syco Entertainment, Simon Cowell’s joint venture with Sony, and Just for Laughs, the largest comedy producer in the world, there’s clearly no room for failure here!
Armed with their compelling back stories a troupe of would be superstars audition for the 'X Factor'. It is a deliberate and ridiculous parody on the real thing – poor girl (Chenice played by Cynthia Erivo) with ailing Jamaican grandfather who lives in trailer under motorway meets good looking northern plumber (Max played by Alan Morrissey) with golden voice. Pitch them against a background of mismatched Irish twins, a chubby supermarket check-out woman, a Wagnerian opera singer and a hunchback by way of Notre Dame, and it’s got 'TV Burp' all over it!
It is a fun, fast paced romp delivering some brilliant performances. The star of the show by far is the Dermot O’Leary tribute act, Liam O’Deary, played by Simon Bailey who has his every bodily and vocal characteristic down to the last tension-building pause. Hotly contested by the white toothed, razor headed Nigel Harman (last seen playing the baddy in 'Downton Abbey') as Simon who tap dances his way from childhood to God-like status and a slightly ridiculous revelation at the end!
Jordy (Victoria Elliot) pays homage to Cheryl Cole and Ashley Knight breathes life into a rather doddery Louis Walsh. I was slightly baffled by 'Barlow', the leading lady’s pet dog. Although technically handled and acted out by puppeteer Simon Lipkin, I am not sure this contributed to the overall plot – other than it was an excuse for a good joke about 'War Horse'!
The other ‘star’ is the London Palladium. Recent renovations at the theatre are spectacular and it is the perfect setting for big blockbuster productions like this.
I left wondering what a coach load of tourists would make of this show! It is all good clean (ish) family fun chock full of British irony. However, if you are not British and familiar with the innuendo then this will be a curious experience!
'I Can't Sing!' is playing now at the London Palladium, Argyll Street, London W1. Telephone 0844 412 4655. For tickets click HERE.
Lynne Parker.
