I Dreamed a Dream, Musical Bio of Susan Boyle, to Debut in 2012

Susan Boyle, who found international fame as a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent, will see her life story come to the stage next year. Scottish actress Elaine C. Smith is set to play Boyle in I Dreamed a Dream, which will debut at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal on March 23, 2012, before embarking on an international tour. The show will be produced by Michael Harrison; no writer or director has been announced.

Smith, who appeared in the West End production of Calendar Girls, starred in the Scottish comedy series Rab C. Nesbitt and toured her native country in numerous plays and musicals, was hand-picked by Boyle to portray her onstage. After becoming an internet sensation with her rendition of the Les Miserables anthem “I Dreamed a Dream,” Boyle went on to release two albums that have sold more than 14 million copies.

“I never thought my life story would end up on the stage, but a lot has happened in two years and it is a very exciting prospect,” Boyle said in a statement. “I hope everyone enjoys the show, and I promise there will be a few surprises along the way."