The cast of I Can't Sing!
The cast of doomed X Factor musical I Can't Sing! @Syco

The X Factor musical I Can't Sing! will close less than seven weeks after its opening.

Written by comedian Harry Hill, the show opened on March 26 at the London Palladium in the West End, but has been beset by technical problems since it began.

Rebecca Quigley, chief executive of Stage Entertainment UK, confirmed the news saying: "We are sad to be bringing I Can't Sing! to a close but are immensely proud to have co-produced the show.

"The West End can be an unpredictable place as the closure of a number of high profile productions recently has shown.

I've always thought if I like something then other people will like it.
- Simon Cowell

"I Can't Sing! has had audiences on their feet night after night, four and five-star reviews from the critics and an amazing company and creative team, but it seems that isn't always enough."

The musical tells the story of a girl called Chenice who ends up auditioning for a TV singing competition.

Based on the reality TV show The X Factor, the show features a character modelled on Simon Cowell played by Eastenders actor Nigel Harman.

Cowell, who attended the show's opening night with girlfriend Lauren Silverman, said: "From day one there was a cloud over that musical. The critics had a field day. You've got to be confident in what you do, otherwise you'd be paralysed. I've always thought if I like something then other people will like it."

People who have bought tickets for shows after May 10 have been told to contact their original point of purchase for refunds.