“The girl born in Blackburn (Scotland), told by the doctors she would never come to anything, growing up in a working class town, feeling very different, expressing herself through singing – an extraordinary life even before Britain’s Got Talent really.

“I was champing at the bit to get the rights and to make it happen, so I contacted her management. We started talking about it, developing it and Susan was keen so here we are a year on and off we go.

“It is not an impersonation. It’s not a spoof. It’s a very real story and interpretation and Elaine is very keen to honour Susan. It should be a show that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. I think it will be quite an emotional night as it’s an emotional story.

“It’s a celebration of Susan. She’s great casting for it. She will be a tour de force and there are few people who could do it.” I Dreamed A Dream will feature a 14-strong cast and eight-piece band. Act One will focus on her life prior to BGT, while Act Two will centre on her becoming a global phenomenon.

The soundtrack will be packed with songs from her albums and from her childhood and Michael has also secured special permission to use the title song too.

Susan Boyle said: “I am happy that the musical is being produced.

“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.

“I hope everyone enjoys the show and I promise there will be a few surprises along the way.”

Michael, meanwhile, was adamant it would premiere at the Theatre Royal. “It couldn’t not. It had to premiere in Newcastle.”

After its Newcastle run, it will tour Britain and then internationally, including the US and Australia.

I Dreamed A Dream will open at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal on Friday, March 23, next year.