Theatre tickets and productions

Subterms

    Latest story

    275 Shares

    West end musical Choir Man is a rip-roaring riot of a night that will have you dancing like you just don’t care

    by

    NINE MEN in a pub, singing their hearts out.And that, in its simplest form, is the premise of Choir of Man, playing at the Arts Theatre, London.It is a feel good musical for the whole pubCredit: © Richard DavenportAudience members, be they lucky or unlucky, can get pulled up on stage during the showCredit: © Richard DavenportThe clues in the title, obviously, but considering all of them play an astonishing range of instruments as well, it feels more like a wonderful bar concert than a West End musical. We’re told this is a proper pub, that’s stood the test of time.A place to get together, where good folk sing about their lives, with no judgement, and everybody knows your name. Like Cheers on steroids, basically.And the audience are the customers for the night – you can even order a pint on the stage – and several are handed out throughout the performance, as well as crisps catapulted into the crowd.READ MORE REVIEWSThere’s the hard man, the romantic, the landlord, and the joker amongst the crew.And whatever mood you’ve arrived in to watch the show, I guarantee you’ll leave with the biggest smile on your face. A bit like a trip down your local pub, in fact.This isn’t some complicated, serious stage show punctuated by songs.This is pure, unadulterated fun. There isn’t even much of a story line – basically blokes having a nice chat and a sing.Most read in ShowbizAs long as you’re prepared for that, you can just sit back, relax, sip a pint, and take pleasure in their pure, joyful voices and happy smiling faces, which actually look genuine.  And, if you’re lucky enough (or unlucky – depending on your self-confidence), you could even get plucked out the crowd and pulled on stage for a pint, a special serenade, a dance, or just to build towers out of bar mats.A new cast has just taken over – which may account for the sheer enthusiasm every song is tackled with.But they looked pretty convincing – especially when you learn a little about each character, and it turns out we’re hearing the actual backstories of the real men up there.  Throughout we’re treated to an incredible array of songs – from Avicii to Adele, Bon Jovi and Guns and Roses, to 500 miles and the pina colada song.And there’s some beautiful choral arrangements in there too, as a special treat.It’s 90 minutes straight through, no interval – and there’s some lovely lessons to learn along the way. So in short, go see Choir of Man – it may sound weird on paper, but in the flesh it’s a rip-roaring riot of a night that will have you dancing, smiling and waving your hands in the air like you just don’t care.Choir of Man★★★★★A new cast has just taken over – which may account for the sheer enthusiasm every song is tackled withCredit: © Richard Davenport More

    More stories

    • 238 Shares

      in entertainment and celebrities

      Sheridan Smith breaks down in tears as she admits guilt about ‘letting people down’ over failed musical Opening Night

      by

      SHERIDAN Smith was left in tears after blaming herself for the failure of her new West End musical, Opening Night. The beloved actress, 42, has been leading the cast of the new show at London’s Gielgud Theatre, which follows the story of Myrtle, an actress whose alcoholism spirals out of control after witnessing the death of a young fan. Sheridan has said she feels guilty over Opening Night closing earlyCredit: GettyThe actress plays a struggling alcoholic actress who spirals after the death of a fanCredit: GettyHowever, despite the gripping premise, reviews were poor and the audience reaction was lacklustre at best – with many walking out mid-performance or even falling asleep. As a result, the show is due to close early with its final performance on May 18, rather than the initially intended July 27. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Sheridan said she felt that the show’s failure was her fault, even breaking down in tears. “I was just heartbroken for the company,” she told the outlet. “I felt that I’d let them down in a way, that I couldn’t sell it”. READ MORE SHERIDAN SMITHSheridan’s performance was arguably the one thing largely praised by audiences and critics, who instead panned the music, pacing and content of the script itself. Ivo Van Hove, who directed the show, added elements to expand the show beyond the realms of the stage, including a screen that showed Sheridan in character as she stumbled out of the stage door and onto the streets of Soho in a drunken haze. The new musical was a new twist on a play Van Hove had previously produced, which in itself was an adaptation of the 1977 movie of the same name. The character of Myrtle had obvious parallels to the life of Sheridan, who had a public breakdown in 2017, and her own battle with addiction. Most read in ShowbizSheridan had hoped that the show would allow her the opportunity to “face her demons” and move past them. While Opening Night didn’t get the reception desired, she was still looking forward to the future. She told The Times: “I was very ashamed of that time of my life, and I wanted to do this part to prove that I could do it, that I could face my demons head on. “I’m so much stronger than I was back then. I went off the rails a bit, dated all the wrong people, obviously my breakdown…”“Now I feel like I’m a mum, I’m very grateful for everything I’ve got in my life,” she added. “I feel like the best is yet to come.” She is next set to star in an ITV crime drama, playing Ann Ming, the woman who fought for 15 years to change the “double jeopardy” law after her daughter Julie Hogg was murdered by her former partner in 1989.The double jeopardy law, which stopped people being tried twice for the same crime.Opening Night has slashed tickets to £15 ahead of the final curtain. Sheridan said she took on the role as she ‘wanted to face her demons head on’Credit: EPAOpening Night runs out May 18Credit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares

      in entertainment and celebrities

      Cara Delevingne wows as she poses naked and models giant bag for Stella McCartney’s new ad campaign

      by

      MODEL Cara Delevingne bags herself a big role in a new ad campaign.She posed with a giant version of Stella McCartney’s vegan Falabella handbag, with the normal size ones costing up to £1,800.Cara Delevingne posed with a giant version of Stella McCartney’s vegan Falabella handbagCredit: Stella McCartneyThe model has been starring in musical Cabaret in the West EndCredit: Stella McCartneyCara, 31, has been starring in musical Cabaret in the West End and wants to take it to New York. She said: “Broadway would be a dream. I’ve caught the theatre bug.“I’ve had some personal things happen in my life but I go on stage and forget about all of it.”Tragically Cara’s £5million mansion burnt down in a catastrophic fire while she was across the ocean in London.READ MORE IN SHOWBIZThe actress’ mum said Cara was devastated after “her whole life” was destroyed in the blaze.The heartbroken star shared a sweet picture of her two cats, writing that her heart was “broken” and telling fans to “cherish what you have” when she thought they had perished.She later shared an adorable picture of the pair, writing: “THEY ARE ALIVE!! THANK YOU TO THE FIREFIGHTERS.” Cara Delevingne steals the show as she attends premiere for new TV series Carnival Row alongside Orlando Bloom and singer Katy Perry More

    • 225 Shares

      in entertainment and celebrities

      A-list Marvel actor to perform on roof of London theatre for the West End’s most ambitious stage show

      by

      HE was well used to scaling buildings while playing movie superhero Spider-Man.But I doubt that Tom Holland ever expected to be doing something similar when he was cast in a West End production of Romeo and Juliet.Tom Holland has been cast in a West End production of Romeo and JulietCredit: GettyHe will be taking to the stage alongside newcomer Francesca Amewudah-RiversCredit: GettyThe performance will take place on the roof of The Duke of York’s Theatre as part of the Shakespearean showCredit: SplashI have learned that the Brit heartthrob is set to perform on the, er, roof of The Duke of York’s Theatre as part of the Shakespearean show when it kicks off on Saturday and runs until August 3.The production team wants Tom to open the show there, with his performance filmed by drones each night and beamed into the theatre before he makes his way inside and on to the stage. But the bold idea, to make the play the most talked about show in town, has unsurprisingly fallen foul of health and safety bores at Westminster Council who have strict rules for drone use.The production’s bosses hope to persuade them to make an exception but it’s now up in the air — no pun intended — whether the stunt will go ahead.Read More on ShowbizA source said: “The play is being staged by The Jamie Lloyd Company which also produced Nicole Scherzinger’s Olivier-winning West End show Sunset Boulevard last year.”That had a scene which was filmed on the street each night and, for Romeo and Juliet, producers now want to push the envelope even further.”They have hired at least two camera operators so the scenes can be captured. Everything is being worked on as we speak but they are really trying to make it happen.”There’s not long to wait now until the opening night and punters will rightly be expecting big things, given that tickets for the show cost up to £275.Most read in BizarreI know I’d want to see something pretty spectacular to justify spending that kind of cash.Tom’s star power has already given the production a huge boost, as the entire run is sold out.Hollywood ‘golden couple’ Tom Holland & Zendaya reveal surprise hobby worlds away from their action-packed screen rolesHe will be taking to the stage alongside newcomer Francesca Amewudah-Rivers.But whether he will be able to start the show as they intended is all down to the council.I just hope they can lighten up and let Tom get on with it.Kylie spinning back Around to las vegasKYLIE MINOGUE wrapped the final night of her debut Las Vegas residency on Saturday – and the sold-out shows were so successful she is already planning a return.The Spinning Around singer has negotiated a longer-term deal to perform at new venue Voltaire after originally deciding to end the run.Kylie Minogue wrapped the final night of her debut Las Vegas residency on SaturdayCredit: SplashSpeaking on stage, she said: “I am excited to be here. We were reminiscing that this is our last show, so we have all been a little emotional today. Let me just say it has exceeded all my expectations.“This is the end . . . for this moment. I love you so much – I cannot wait to see you again.”I’m told Kylie will return to Voltaire in the next 18 months as she juggles a world tour to celebrate her recent chart hits.A music insider confirmed: “Kylie has become a must-see act in Vegas.“With a new album on its way, she will be in so much more demand. But Voltaire and the committed audiences have won her heart over, and she will be a mainstay there.”Before that, though, Kylie will perform at London’s BST Hyde Park on July 13. It will be great to have her back, for a while at least.Win gig ticketsIN celebration of Live Nation’s Concert Week, their amazing team has handed me pairs of tickets to some very ­special shows to give away FREE.Up for grabs are two pairs of tickets to see Pearl Jam at Manchester Co-op Live – yes, I’ve been assured it will be open in time! – or London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.There is also the chance to win tickets for the Eagles at ­Manchester’s Co-op Live and a pair of tickets to watch Moby at ­London’s O2 Arena.Live Nation has also given us a pair of tickets to see Doja Cat at either Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, Birmingham Resorts World Arena, London’s O2 Arena or Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. Nicki Minaj fans are in with a chance of picking up seats at one of her UK shows, too, including dates at Manchester Co-op Live, Birmingham Resorts World Arena, London’s O2 Arena and ­Glasgow’s OVO Hydro.For a chance to win, simply visit thesun.co.uk/concertweek.Click which act you’d like to see to be in the running. The competition runs every day this week and the winner will be selected at ­random – and contacted to pick which location suits you.If you aren’t one of our lucky winners, Live Nation’s Concert Week is offering fans more than 40,000 tickets from £25 to some of 2024’s biggest shows, from pop superstars to legendary rockers.Keep an eye out for promotions.FerraRiRi RIHANNA revved up the glamour as she got behind the wheel at a Formula One party.Showing off her newly dyed pink hair, RiRi posed with her rapper partner A$AP Rocky, who wore a racing helmet-style balaclava ahead of yesterday’s Miami Grand Prix and chatted with rapper Flavor Flav.Rihanna posed with A$AP Rocky, who wore a fake helmet at a Formula One party in MiamiCredit: RexRihanna showed off newly dyed pink hair at the partyCredit: RexCamila Cabello wore a matching top and mini-skirt and was snapped heading to watch the raceCredit: GettyFlavor Flav and A$AP Rocky during Miami Race WeekCredit: GettyFellow guests included Camila Cabello.The I Luv It hitmaker used the occasion to make a TikTok video where she declared her support for F1 Ferrari driver Charles LeClerc.LeClerc and model Irina Shayk joined in the big race fun by posing for the latest Formula One-themed issue of Vogue Italia magazine.What’s diss rap, Kendrick?DRAKE and Kendrick Lamar’s rap feud has intensified in new diss tracks.Kendrick alleges in the latest song that his rival had interactions with younger women. In Not Like Us, he raps: “Say, Drake – I hear you like ’em young.”Kendrick Lamar refers to Drake as a ‘certified paedophile’ in his new trackCredit: GettyMocking Drake’s 2021 album Certified Lover Boy, he sings: “Certified paedophiles.”On Saturday Drake put out Family Matters, in which he accused Kendrick of domestic violence. And in Meet The Grahams, Kendrick claims Drake has a secret daughter and addictions to sex, gambling and alcohol, which the Canadian rejected.How do this pair find the time to come up with silly ways to insult each other?With Kendrick’s Euphoria at No9 in the mid-week charts, the sceptic in me wonders if it’s for attention.BUCKS FIZZ have lost some of their sparkle as Mike Nolan is quitting.Mike, Jay Aston and Cheryl Baker – three of the four original members – perform as The Fizz.But after an interview on Radio 2 yesterday, the 1981 Eurovision winners tweeted: “We can confirm, following the Michael Ball show, that Mike will be leaving the group at the end of the year.”Jools is given the ElbowJOOLS HOLLAND is back this month with a brand new series of Later.The ivory tinkler, below, will welcome back Elbow and Idles, who will treat fans to performances of songs from their recent No1 album.Bafta-winning actress Samantha Morton will make her debut on the BBC Two show and prove her mettle as a musician.Rising country star Lainey Wilson and up-and-coming British singer Myles Smith will also appear.Old friends of Jools – and some of my favourites – returning to perform at North London’s Alexandra Palace Theatre include Noel Gallagher, Fontaines DC, The Black Keys and Ghetts.It’s going to be a killer series.SOME things just get better with age, and the McFLY boys are definitely one of them.Dougie Poynter, Danny Jones, Tom Fletcher and Harry Judd shared this photo of themselves posing topless on the beach in Rio de Janeiro and it got me hot under the collar.Dougie Poynter, Danny Jones, Tom Fletcher and Harry Judd shared this photo of themselvesCredit: instagram/Harry JuddThe band – in Brazil for two headline concerts – looked in great shape and it seems they have found plenty of time to kick back in the sun.They have a busy summer ahead of festivals and shows back home in the UK, kicking off on Perranporth Beach in Cornwall on May 17.READ MORE SUN STORIESBABY Reindeer’s Richard Gadd took a break from the madness surrounding his Netflix drama to watch a gig celebrating The Pogues.Thankfully, he wasn’t as obsessed as Martha, the stalker in his show, when he went backstage at the Hackney Empire in East London to meet the band and a member of support act The Deadlians.Baby Reindeer’s Richard Gadd is a Pogues super-fanCredit: suppliedThe week in bizness

      TODAY: The biggest night in the fashion calendar, the Met Gala, will attract bucketloads of A-listers to New York, with this year’s dress code being The Garden Of Time.
      Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez and Chris Hemsworth are among the co-chairs, while Rihanna and Kim Kardashian are also on the guest list.
      TOMORROW: Phoebe Waller-Bridge and John Krasinski will be among the stars on the red carpet in Leicester Square for the UK premiere of If.
      The live-action and part-animated movie, not out until May 17, follows a girl and her neighbour who can see imaginary friends.
      THURSDAY: Fresh from the success of album The Tortured Poets Department, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour arrives in Europe for its first night in Paris.
      The tour – her first here in six years – hits the UK next month for a string of sold-out shows.
      SUNDAY: Telly stars will get their glad rags on for the Bafta TV Awards, hosted by Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan.
      The Crown, Happy Valley and Black Mirror are among major ­contenders for top gongs at this year’s bash. More

    • 263 Shares

      in entertainment and celebrities

      New blow for Sheridan Smith as pay for cancelled play Opening Night is slashed but she’s still raking in five figures

      by

      Sheridan Smith will suffer a big financial blow after it was revealed her West End play is to close early.But we can reveal that she earned around £21,000-a-week last year as one of the nation’s best-loved acting talents.Sheridan Smith’s paycheque for Opening Night has been slashed with the shortened runCredit: GettyThe actress still has a lot to smile about after a stellar financial yearCredit: GettyThe hugely talented actress is currently starring in West End play Opening Night, which follows a theatre company’s preparations to stage a major new play on Broadway.But poor ticket sales have led to the production ending two months early.And that will mean Sheridan will lose out of two months’ worth of pay – as she’s paid by the performance.However, she does have some financial good cheer.READ MORE SHERIDAN SMITHSheridan runs a company to take in cash from her telly work called Barking Mad Productions Ltd.And her most recent annual accounts sent to Companies House this week show that she’s paid £222,445 in Corporation Tax for 2023.The tax burden is based on her earnings of being around £1.1m over that period.Sheridan’s books also showed she had £239,538 in cash at the time of filing to the government department for the 12 months to the end of April 2023.Most read in ShowbizThe mum-of-one is widely acknowledged as the best TV actresses of her generation and has starred in dramas such as Cilla, Mrs Biggs and The C Word.Sheridan Smith reveals new problem at under-fire play Opening Night as security ‘ban her from leaving’ – after audience members ‘fell asleep and walked out’Sheridan is raising her lad Billy as a single parent after she split with her son’s father, Jamie Horn.In November 2021, she was involved in a high-speed car crash, which followed four years of what she described as “hell”.She had been dealing with panic attacks since 2011, which she realised was a battle with depression and anxiety culminating in a breakdown after her dad Colin died of cancer in 2016.The Lincolnshire-born star also lost her brother Julian to cancer when he was 18 and she was eight.She appeared in No Return – an ITV drama about a mum whose teenage son is arrested for a crime committed while they are on a family holiday.At the same time, she was on the box in The Teacher on Channel 5.After playing Ronnie Biggs’ wife Charmain in 2012’s Mrs Biggs, which won her a Bafta, Sheridan had a decade of superlative TV roles. READ MORE SUN STORIESShe played Cilla Black in Cilla, then real-life journalist Lisa Lynch – who wrote a blog about her cancer – in The C Word.She also appeared in The Moorside, based on the disappearance of nine-year-old Shannon Matthews.Sheridan is still taking home five figures and remains one of the UK’s most beloved actressesCredit: GettyThe actress played a troubled actress in Opening NightCredit: SplashThe character’s life starts to spiral after the death of a young fanCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares

      in entertainment and celebrities

      Nicole Scherzinger, 45, flashes some leg in black gown as she picks up major gong for Sunset Boulevard at Olivier Awards

      by

      SUCCESS was laid out on a plait for singer Nicole Scherzinger at theatre’s Olivier Awards last night.The 45-year-old ex-Pussycat Dolls star landed the Best Actress in a Musical gong for her work in the hit Sunset Boulevard.Nicole Scherzinger stunned in a black gown as she picked up a gong in theatre’s Olivier AwardsCredit: GettyShe landed the Best Actress in a Musical award for her work in Sunset BoulevardCredit: Jeff Spicer / GettyShe stunned in a black dress, with her hair in plaits, at the Royal Albert Hall, West London.Nicole was joined by model Cara Delevingne, who is playing Sally Bowles in Cabaret.Shirley Valentine star Sheridan Smith, who lost out as Best Actress, and host Hannah Waddingham also sparkled for the cameras.Andrew Lloyd Webber, the man behind the music in Sunset Boulevard, heaped praise on former X Factor judge Nicole and her vocal abilities ahead of the show’s run at the Savoy Theatre.READ MORE NICOLE SCHERZINGERHe said: “Nicole is one of the finest singers I have worked with, and I can’t wait to get started on this exciting show with her and the rest of this brilliant team.”Sunset Boulevard, based on the 1950 film of the same name, tells the story of Norma, a faded star of silent movies.Living in a decaying mansion, Norma is desperate to return to her former glory and a chance meeting with a young screenwriter serves up just the opportunity.After the Pussycat Dolls disbanded in 2010 Nicole launched a solo music career which saw her score five UK top 10 singles.Most read in ShowbizShe made her West End debut back in 2014 when she starred as Grizabella in the musical Cats.She also performed at the Coronation Concert for King Charles last year.Nicole Scherzinger looks incredible as she strips down to her bikini for sizzling holiday snaps Sheridan Smith may have lost out on the Best Actress gong, but she still looked greatCredit: GettyCara Delevingne, who plays Sally Bowles in Cabaret, showed that plaits really do seem to be trendy at the momentCredit: Rex FeaturesHost Hannah Waddingham looked stunning in a lilac gownCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares

      in entertainment and celebrities

      Sheridan Smith puts West End show cancellation behind her as she beams in risque see-through gown at Olivier Awards

      by

      SHERIDAN Smith put her West End show’s cancellation behind her as she beamed in a risque see-through gown at the Olivier Awards.It was revealed on Thursday that the star’s troubled play – Opening Night – was having its run cut short.Sheridan Smith put her West End show’s cancellation behind her as she beamed in a risque see-through gown at the Olivier AwardsCredit: GettySheridan wowed in the see-through encrusted dress outside the Royal Albert HallCredit: APThe 42-year-old wore a black boob tube and high waisted knickers under the gownCredit: RexThe show, which is on at the Gielgud Theatre, will now end on May 20, two months earlier than its original scheduled finish date of July 27.However, Sheridan brushed off what was likely to have been disappointing news about the show to wow onlookers at the prestigious awards ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Sunday evening. The 42-year-old – who is nominated in the Best Actress category for her role in Shirley Valentine – showed off her figure in a black sheer gown which was covered in shimmering gems. It featured a silver encrusted neckline and Sheridan wore a black boob-tube and high waisted knickers underneath and pulled her dark hair back into a messy up do.Read More on Sheridan SmithThe actress’ heavily tattooed arm and thigh were visible through the sheer fabric and she wore sky-high black platform heels and carried a funky silver lip shaped bag to complete her look. Announcing the news about the show’s shortened run, producers Wessex Grove said on Thursday: “It is an honour to produce this beautiful new musical in the West End, and everyone at Wessex Grove is proud to have delivered the artistic vision of Ivo Van Hove and Rufus Wainwright and their incredible team, led by the exquisite Sheridan Smith.”In a challenging financial landscape, Opening Night was always a risk and, while the production may not have had the life we had hoped for, we feel immensely proud of the risk we took and of this extraordinary production.”Our world class cast delivers a brilliant show night after night, and there are still five weeks left to see Sheridan Smith in the role of a lifetime.Most read in Celebrity”What is sure-fire and safe has its place. But Wessex Grove exists to produce great artists in the West End and to provide the space for original, artist-led productions in the commercial sector, productions exactly like Opening Night.”We’re grateful for all of the support everyone has given us as we made this show, and look forward to celebrating the rest of the run.”Sheridan Smith defends under-fire musical as she begs fans ‘please come’ saying ‘there’s so much pressure’Nicole Scherzinger also attended with fiance Thom EvansCredit: GettyThe former Pussycat Doll wowed in a dramatic black gownCredit: GettySheridan wasn’t the only familiar face pulling out all the stops at the annual awards ceremony.Nicole Scherzinger – who wowed audiences with her role in Sunset Boulevard – looked sensational in a plunging black gown alongside fiance Thom Evans. Meanwhile Hannah Waddingham – who is hosting this year’s awards – looked gorgeous in a shimmering one-shoulder lilac gown. Also bringing a splash of colour was supermodel and actress Cara Delevingne, who opted for a sequin gown which featured a square blue bodice with black strands criss-crossing across the front and a red skirt. Elsewhere, Gavin and Stacey’s Ruth Jones looked beautiful in a teal green gown – and worlds away from her famous character Nessa – as she posed with her Sister Act co-stars Beverley Knight and Lesley Joseph.Hannah Waddingham – who is hosting the awards – looked beautiful in a lilac gownCredit: GettyCara Delevingne wore a two-toned sequin numberCredit: AFPGavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones looked worlds away from Nessa in a beautiful teal dressCredit: GettyShe was joined by her Sister Act co-stars Lesley Joseph and Beverley KnightCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares

      in entertainment and celebrities

      Sheridan Smith fans rally behind actress as they rush to see cancelled show ahead of its closure

      by

      FANS of Sheridan Smith have rallied around the star after it was confirmed her embattled play would be coming to an end amid mixed reviews.Opening Night’s reception has fallen flat with audience members reportedly falling asleep mid-way through the production.Sheridan Smith fans have flocked to see Opening Night after it was pulled earlier than plannedCredit: GettyThe reception to the play has not been as originally expectedCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskAudience members were left falling asleep as they watched Sheridan in action in Opening NightCredit: SMARTPICTURESEarlier today, it was confirmed that the performance would be brought to an end earlier than planned.In light of the announcement, a slew of 42-year-old Sheridan’s fans have raced to the theatre in order to catch her in time.Hundreds of theatregoers are understood to have flocked on Gielgud Theatre in London tonight after hearing the news that the play had been pulled.One fan told the Mail Online they received an email to inform them the performance they had booked to attend in June had officially been axed and so they made a hurried last-minute dash to the London theatre to catch the star in action.Read More on Sheridan SmithThe fan told the publication: “We got an email earlier on saying that our performance in June had been cancelled.”So we can either get an exchange for an earlier date or a refund. We couldn’t do an earlier date because Emily is at university. So we thought we’d come today last minute.”Another fan also said: “The reviews have been mixed but we’re both big theatre fans and Sheridan Smith is such a wonderful actress so we had to see it.”Elsewhere, one attendee admitted they believed the play’s reception had been a “disappointment” for Sheridan but insisted they could not miss the chance to see her in action.Most read in ShowbizThey told the Mail: “I came because of Sheridan- she’s such a great actress. She’s been brilliant in all her TV dramas so I couldn’t miss the chance of seeing her live.”This is a disappointment for her, sure, but she will bounce back. She has had a bad press but she keeps coming back. She’s so versatile.”Sheridan Smith defends under-fire musical as she begs fans ‘please come’ saying ‘there’s so much pressure’The Sun exclusively revealed Opening Night was in danger of being pulled early and now it has been confirmed.The show, which is on at the Gielgud Theatre, will now end on May 20, two months earlier than its original scheduled finish date of July 27.Producers Wessex Grove said today: “It is an honour to produce this beautiful new musical in the West End, and everyone at Wessex Grove is proud to have delivered the artistic vision of Ivo Van Hove and Rufus Wainwright and their incredible team, led by the exquisite Sheridan Smith.”In a challenging financial landscape, Opening Night was always a risk and, while the production may not have had the life we had hoped for, we feel immensely proud of the risk we took and of this extraordinary production.The actresses fans felt the star would be “disappointed” by the backlashCredit: Splash”Our world class cast delivers a brilliant show night after night, and there are still five weeks left to see Sheridan Smith in the role of a lifetime.”What is sure-fire and safe has its place. But Wessex Grove exists to produce great artists in the West End and to provide the space for original, artist-led productions in the commercial sector, productions exactly like Opening Night.”We’re grateful for all of the support everyone has given us as we made this show, and look forward to celebrating the rest of the run.” Despite Cleaning Up actress Sheridan getting praise for her part, critics savaged the production for its poor plot — which has seen people falling asleep in their chairs — and questionable staging.READ MORE SUN STORIESCanadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright wrote the music for the production.The story follows actress Myrtle, played by Sheridan, who is reliant on booze as she rehearses for the opening night of a show alongside her ex.Opening Night will end two months earlier than plannedCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares

      in entertainment and celebrities

      Sheridan Smith’s troubled play Opening Night’s run cut short – as audience members are handed their money back

      by

      SHERIDAN Smith’s new stage play has seen its West End run cut short after sending audiences to sleep.The Sun exclusively revealed Opening Night was in danger of being pulled early and now it’s been confirmed.Sheridan Smith’s West End play has been cut shortCredit: Smart PicturesSheridan was praised for her part in the production, though the same couldn’t be said for the plotCredit: SplashThe show, which is on at the Gielgud Theatre, will now end on May 20, two months earlier than its original scheduled finish date of July 27.Producers Wessex Grove said today: “It is an honour to produce this beautiful new musical in the West End, and everyone at Wessex Grove is proud to have delivered the artistic vision of Ivo Van Hove and Rufus Wainwright and their incredible team, led by the exquisite Sheridan Smith. “In a challenging financial landscape, Opening Night was always a risk and, while the production may not have had the life we had hoped for, we feel immensely proud of the risk we took and of this extraordinary production. “Our world class cast delivers a brilliant show night after night, and there are still five weeks left to see Sheridan Smith in the role of a lifetime.READ MORE ON SHERIDAN SMITH”What is sure-fire and safe has its place. But Wessex Grove exists to produce great artists in the West End and to provide the space for original, artist-led productions in the commercial sector, productions exactly like Opening Night. “We’re grateful for all of the support everyone has given us as we made this show, and look forward to celebrating the rest of the run.” Director Ivo Van Hove said: “I had the most wonderful and inspiring time making Opening Night thanks to the talent and commitment of our incredible cast and production team. “They were led by the exceptional Sheridan Smith, who had the bravery to play such a complex role in the West End. I try to be fearless and sincere in everything I make. Most read in Celebrity”With Rufus’s beautiful music, we made something totally unique and true to John Cassavetes’ daring exploration of the human condition. It will forever have a special place in my heart. It is always sad when a show closes early but I know that Opening Night will live long in the memories of those who saw it and made it.”Despite Cleaning Up actress Sheridan getting praise for her part, critics savaged the production for its poor plot — which has seen people falling asleep in their chairs — and questionable staging.A source previously told us: “Sheridan has been a resounding success but the show itself has been far from it. To say it’s been polarising is an understatement.“Reports of theatre goers walking out at the interval have really worried some of the investors.“No official meeting has been held yet, but a number of them have spoken about how they would go about serving notice on the theatre and cutting the run of shows short.“At the end of the day, even though it’s entertainment, it’s a business and they are worried that poor ticket sales will mean they don’t make their investment back.“Sheridan is a saving grace for Opening Night because of how good she is on stage, but even her star power can’t get the crowds in.“Her turn in Shirley Valentine last year was sold out but there are still loads of tickets left for Opening Night.“It’s becoming a disaster.”Canadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright wrote the music for the production.The story follows actress Myrtle, played by Sheridan, who is reliant on booze as she rehearses for the opening night of a show alongside her ex.Ahead of the show, Sheridan said: “Everyone thinks it is going to be a big, fun musical but it is very, very dark.‘Through turmoil’“It is a play within a play and ­everyone is just brilliant. It has been really therapeutic and fun.”She added of the support from fans: “I go through such emotions in the show and you have to take a minute to calm down afterwards.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The fans always come to support and it makes it all worthwhile.“You put yourself through the turmoil but you do it for the loving people like that.”Even Sheridan’s star power couldn’t save the show which was struggling to sell ticketsThe actress performed on the streets of Soho as her drunken actress MyrtleCredit: SMARTPICTURES More