THIS is the cheeky takeoff of X Factor which was forced to close under threat of legal action in 2008 after touring as eXtra Factor.

Reference is still made to the original title as a Simon Cowelllike Sam Kane struts out to begin an increasingly sleazy performance as presenter/producer Ricky. The big difference between Simon and Sam, of course, is that one of them is a rather good singer.

Dave Simpson’s script goes for every grim cliche associated with this brand of realty TV, which the British public should have tired of some time ago, plus a jokebook borrowed from Bernard Manning.

Despite a coarseness which could stop John Prescott’s battlebus, the half-full opening night audience did start to care about the six contestants battling for a £1m recording contract.

The surprise is that familiar face John Altman struggles with the song and dance side, while winning our hearts as alcohol-haunted Ray.

Former Blue band member Antony Costa also battles his way through a series of songs while making a convincing role of dim Mummy’s boy Cal. The same is true of ex-Hollyoaks actress Ciara Janson, who finds it difficult to switch her accent from nicely-judged lowwattage Ellie to her natural singing voice.

The audience, God bless ’em, text voted all three through to the final which was decided by “the Hughie Green clapometer method… ask an older member of the audience to explain that”. Thanks, Sam.

The impressive voices of Any Dream Will Do contestant Rob McVeigh, as Jamie, the excellent Sarah Jane Buckley, as Gina and professional singer Miranda Wilford, as the ultra-fibbing Harriett, didn’t get a chance in Darlington. But this is pretend reality, of course.

Well done to Darlington woman Ashleigh Bell, who popped up on stage to sing at short notice, having won a radio station competition.

■ Until tomorrow. Tickets £15-£19.50. Box office: 01325-486555 darlingtonarts.co.uk