Life imitating art - or is it art imitating life?

Music mogul Simon Cowell attending the new West End show - "I Can't Sing - The X Factor Musical".

Not only is Cowell its financial backer, he's also portrayed in the latest show to hit London's theatreland.

Director Simon Foley is hoping for success.

SOUNDBITE: 'I CAN'T SING!' DIRECTOR, SIMON FOLEY, SAYING (English):

"We don't even know if it is going to be a success. I mean that is really up to the public to decide. I mean, essentially, any show you put on is really down to then the audience, do they like it."

Despite its celebrity backers and cast, "I Can't Sing" has already been plagued by production problems.

Two early previews were cancelled due to technical issues.

There've also been media reports of disappointing ticket sales - with seats available at short-notice for the opening week.

Alistair Smith is Acting Editor of The Stage.

SOUNDBITE: Alistair Smith, Acting Editor