Simon Cowell's X Factor musical I Can't Sing cancelled mid-performance after electrical fault

Audience disappointed after enduring 45 minute interval

I Can't Sing! stars former EastEnders actor Nigel Harman (centre) as a character inspired by Simon Cowell (PA)

A preview of X Factor musical I Can’t Sing was cancelled last night mid-performance due to an “electrical fault”.

Theatregoers were left disappointed after waiting out a 45-minute interval to be told the second act would not continue.

Director Simon Foley came on stage to apologise for the lengthy interval, explaining that there had been a “major electrical malfunction backstage” that would take another hour to fix.

He said the show could not go through with the second act and that audience members would be eligible for a refund or could transfer their ticket for another night.

Although audience members applauded Foley’s announcement, a number were not so happy about the cancellation of the second half and the length of the interval.

Simon Cowell and Harry Hill’s show has experienced a number of problems, with audiences enduring a 50 minute interval at a preview performance earlier this month.

The first two previews of the musical were due to technical problem with an integral part of the set.

In a statement about last night’s fault, the team behind the show said: “We experienced an electrical fault at the show last night which unfortunately made it necessary to cancel Act Two of the performance, this fault has now been completely fixed.

“This was unrelated to previous issues which have now been resolved.

“We thank our audience for the patience and understanding they showed last night, and we’re delighted that the vast majority are rebooked to see the show again soon.

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