X Factor musical to hit London stage

LONDON (AP) — Simon Cowell is bringing "The X Factor" — or a version of it — from television screens to the London stage in early 2014.

The acerbic judge's firm, Syco Entertainment, is co-producing a musical spoof written by Harry Hill and directed by Sean Foley about the popular televised singing contest.

Syco and Stage Entertainment say that "X Factor_It's Time to Face the Musical!" will be an "affectionate poke" at the talent show.

The firms said Friday the show will include 19 new songs, and that casting and the theater have yet to be confirmed.

"The X Factor" launched in Britain in 2004 and in the U.S. in fall 2011.