An actor-turned-writer hopes he can launch his new musical into the limelight on Britain’s Got Talent – with the help of a nine-year-old girl.
It is the first time that a show – rather than a person, group or animal – has auditioned for a slot on the prime-time ITV talent contest.
A cast of 16 performed part of Pete Gallagher’s creation, Chasing The Dream, for judges on Sunday’s episode – and got a yes vote from them all.
Mr Gallagher, 50, of Beaconsfield Road, Tring, said: “Simon Cowell gave us a little wink at the end.
“He said, ‘Well done, boys. I admire your business sense.’”
Chasing The Dream is about five people who arrive in New York on the same plane with hopes of starting a new life there.
They will now perform a new song from the musical for every stage of the talent show they make it through, competing against other acts for the public’s vote.
Tune into the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent at 7.30pm on Friday to see their next song and vote them into the finals of the show.
The overall winner gets a recording contract with Sony and a chance to perform in a Royal Variety concert. Mr Gallagher hopes it will also gain the attention of producers in the West End and even Broadway.
He said: “If we put it on TV and get tens of thousands of votes, then any producer will know there is a ready-made market there.”
One of the stars of his show is nine-year-old Edie Marsh, who lives in Tring and goes to Grove Road Primary School.
Mr Gallagher talent-spotted her through his wife Suzie’s Tuesday drama class at Tring Showstoppers in The Old Church House, Tring.
Mr Gallagher has 30 years of experience in acting and has in the past worked on TV shows including Strictly Come Dancing, Gladiators and Any Dream Will Do.
He is making Chasing The Dream with composer Danny Davies and choreographer Stuart Sweeting.