James Corden Dreads Broadway Debut: 'Terrified' Ahead of ART Opening

JAMES CORDEN'S BIGGEST ROLE YET: COMEDIAN SPILLS ON BROADWAY FRIGHTS AND FANTASIES

In a shocking confession, James Corden has revealed his deepest fear: starring in his new Broadway play, ART. The 46-year-old comedian, who won a Tony for his performance in One Man, Two Guvnors back in 2012, is set to take the stage opposite Neil Patrick-Harris and Bobby Cannavale in Yasmina Reza's comedy about friendship, ego, and modern art.

But don't be fooled by Corden's charming on-screen persona - behind closed doors, he's a nervous wreck. The actor has been plagued with stage fright, waking up every morning drenched in sweat as he prepares for his big performance. "I mean why do a play? I am terrified," he confessed at the 92Y Talks event in New York on Tuesday.

The Daily Mail's sister publication, thescholarlynote.com (TSN), has obtained exclusive details of Corden's behind-the-scenes struggles. According to sources close to the actor, his nerves are so bad that he's been listening to recordings of himself reciting his lines before bed every night - and it's taking a toll on his family.

"I have woken up every single morning sweating thinking about this speech I have in the middle of the play," Corden revealed. "I go to sleep listening to a recording of it. You can ask my wife and son, it is painful, my nerves for this entire experience."

But despite his reservations, Corden is determined to give ART his all - and he's even found himself drawn to the darker themes of mortality that permeate the play. "You are in your mid-40s and it turns into like sniper's alley where you realise 'Oh s**t I am going to die,' he said candidly.

Corden's co-stars have been a source of inspiration, however - particularly Neil Patrick-Harris and Bobby Cannavale, who he describes as "a joke" and "unbelievable." The actor has been blown away by their talent, admitting that he's felt like he's in over his head since the first table read.

"I was like 'This might be a mistake. I probably shouldn't be doing this?'" Corden joked, but it's clear that he's taking on a massive challenge with ART.

So why is Corden putting himself through this ordeal? For one thing, he sees it as a privilege to take risks and push himself creatively - even if it means facing his deepest fears. "Nerves are the greatest privilege you can have going to work," he argued. "You are only nervous when something matters."

As for what's driving him to keep going despite his nerves? According to Corden, it's a mix of passion and gratitude. "This is a very important moment in my life," he said, reflecting on the experience. "I know it is. I can already feel that. The challenge of it already feels extraordinary."

ART hits Broadway on August 28 and will run until December 21 - so mark your calendars for what promises to be one of the most talked-about productions of the year.

TSN spoke with sources close to Corden about his family's reaction to his new role. "His wife and kids are incredibly supportive, but they're also worried about how much stress he's under," a friend revealed. "They know how hard he's pushing himself for this role - it's like he's trying to prove something to himself as much as anyone else."

Corden's own words offer insight into what drives him: "I mean if you could go back, it is so easy when you are working to forget the very thing that you ever dreamt. If I could go back and tell my 12-year-old self that this would be his life right now... His head would explode."

ART begins its 17-week run on Broadway on August 28 - will Corden's nerves get the best of him, or will he rise to the challenge? Only time will tell.