Will Simon Cowell Bring an X Factor Musical to the West End Stage?

Will reality TV talent show X Factor be the next screen-to-stage musical adaptation to hit the West End? According to Scotland’s Daily Record newspaper, show creator and judge Simon Cowell is interested in bringing a “humorous version” of the TV talent show to the stage.

"Simon is excited by the idea of taking the X Factor brand on to the stage,” a source told the newspaper. “He is looking at the types of songs he would like and what sort of script is needed. It would be a perfect night out for X Factor fans, and former stars of the show could even be involved in it."

“Simon doesn't want a super-serious musical,” the source added. “He thinks if this is going to be something that works, it needs to be funny and have songs people might sing along to, but also laugh along with.” To that end, Cowell has reportedly been in talks with TV comedian Harry Hill as well as music producer and composer Steve Brown as possible stage collaborators.

X Factor is a music competition that searches for new singing talent. The show launched in Britain in 2004 and an American version is slated to premiere on September 21, with Cowell also attached as a judge. Cowell, best known to American TV audiences as the notoriously harsh judge on American Idol, is also a judge on TV shows Pop Idol and Britain's Got Talent, and is the owner of the television production and music publishing house Syco.