The life story of talent show sensation Susan Boyle is the subject of a new international musical, set to open on the British stage next year. SuBo has sold more than 14 million albums and set sales records since her jaw-dropping debut in 2009; that’s when the 50-year-old unlikely singing star was plucked from obscurity on Simon Cowell’s talent search show Britain’s Got Talent. Despite finishing as runner-up on Talent, she’s gone on to find worldwide success on the charts. In 2010, she achieved the rare feat of topping the UK and US album charts simultaneously twice in the space of a year. The last time that happened The Beatles did it back in 1969.
She’ll now see her inspirational tale transformed into a stage production, aptly-titled after her signature song, “I Dreamed A Dream.”
“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,” Susan says of the musical, which has UK sitcom star Elaine C. Smith tipped for the title role. “I hope everyone enjoys the show and I promise there will be a few surprises along the way.”
Meanwhile, Susan Boyle: The Musical producer Michael Harrison is comparing Boyle’s story to a modern-day fairytale, making it perfect fodder for a stage production.
“She is an inspiring woman and her story is an excellent one to tell – someone with a raw talent who surprises the world and overturns all the odds to make a new life for herself. It’s got all the qualities of a fairytale, but with the added bonus of being absolutely true.”
I Dreamed A Dream will open at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal on March 23 2012 before embarking on a worldwide tour. A 26-week tour of the UK, US and Australia has been lined up so far.