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      Tom Holland lands big US job after Romeo and Juliet success in what is being dubbed the hottest ticket in town

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      BRITISH megastar Tom Holland will light up the West End next month when he stars in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and now it has been revealed that the Jamie Lloyd production will also be heading to Broadway.The Spider-Man star will appear as Romeo in the 12 week run at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London, before heading to the Great White Way later in the year.No sooner was it announced that Tom Holland would be playing Romeo, the tickets sold out within a couple of hoursCredit: PAEver since landing the Spider Man gig, Tom Holland has become one of Britain’s biggest starsCredit: GettyDie hard British fans who wish to see their idol on stage, now have the chance to travel stateside if they are willing, as the London run is completely sold out.Despite the hefty price tag with tickets costing around £200 each, insiders have described a frenzy at the box office, after seats sold out in under 2 hours. will head to Broadway after its London run, with details to be announced in due course. While director Jamie Lloyd has made a name for his minimalist adaptations of classic texts, the headline grabber for what is essentially yet another production of Romeo & Juliet is undoubtedly its leading man. Fans can’t wait to watch the Marvel hero test out his acting chops up close and personal, and with tickets costing around £200, it’s an incredibly lucrative earner.”But Tom, 27, is no stranger to theatre, as a child he wowed audiences with his dance talents starring in the West End musical, Billy Elliot, first as Billy’s friend Michael Caffrey, before moving into the main role of Billy aged 12.read more about TomActress Franesca Amewudah who is best known for a role in TV’s Bad Education will star opposite Tom in the coveted role of Juliet.Indeed this week the Jamie Lloyd Company hit out at the “barrage of deplorable racial abuse” that Ms Amewudah had received since she was unveiled as the leading lady this week.Rising theatre impresario Jamie Lloyd, 43, has become the UK’s hottest stage director. His production of Sunset Boulevard starring Nicole Scherzinger opened to rave reviews last October and will also open on Broadway in September 2024.The actor is also known for his high profile relationship with US actress and singer ZendayaCredit: GettyThe pair are often seen together on the world’s glitziest red carpetsCredit: Getty More

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      Sheridan Smith’s Opening Night creator defends actress amid storm over theatre show as audience members ‘fall asleep’

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      THE musical creator of Sheridan Smith’s Opening Night has defended the actress as the troubled West End show faces being cut short after audience backlash.Theatre-goers have been accused of falling asleep and walking out of the show since it launched on March 6.Sheridan Smith’s West End show Opening Night turned into a nightmareCredit: GettyThe singer and actress is said to be holding the show togetherCredit: SplashRufus Wainwright, left, wrote Opening Night’s music hitsCredit: GettyCanadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, who wrote the music for the production, praised Sheridan as he announced his next project.Rufus said: “Excited to announce I will be returning to Cafe Carlyle from October 15-19 for five nights to sing Cole Porter and songs from my musical Opening Night. Tickets are on sale now.”Opening Night is maybe the most personal work I have composed in a very long time. “The main character Myrtle Gordon played in London so devastatingly brilliantly by Sheridan Smith is going through a personal and professional crisis as a theatre company is getting ready to open a new play on Broadway. READ MORE ON SHERIDAN SMITH”I have spoken publicly before about my drug addiction which ended in me temporarily going blind. “I was going through a very dark period on tour also in 2020 while on tour and Gena Rowland’s performance in Opening Night was a beacon of hope that would get me out of bed. “When I came home I had an email from Ivo van Hove in my inbox asking me whether I would write a musical based on Opening Night with him. “I am truly excited to try out this material that I wrote for our wonderful company in London myself for the first time for the return to this magical and intimate space of Cafe Carlyle. Most read in Celebrity”Adding Cole Porter one of the all-time Greats on Broadway and in the West End to the program is of course high risk but during Bobby Short’s 100th anniversary year I wanted to pay homage to those two lovers.”Opening Night follows actress Myrtle, played by Sheridan, who is reliant on booze as she rehearses for the opening night of a show alongside her ex.Sheridan Smith speaks about booze sessions for the musical Opening NightDespite the Cleaning Up actress deservedly getting heaps of praise for her part, critics have savaged the production for the poor plot — which has seen people falling asleep in their chairs — and questionable staging.Ahead of the show, Sheridan said: “Everyone thinks it is going to be a big, fun musical but it is very, very dark.“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.“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.”The Sun today revealed the cast have been warned not to expect any extra dates beyond the current run, which is due to end in July.And, rather unsurprisingly, insiders say a number of the show’s investors have discussed potentially pulling the plug early.A source said: “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.READ MORE SUN STORIES“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.“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.” More

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      Sheridan Smith’s troubled new West End show faces being cut short after audience backlash sees theatregoers fall asleep

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      IT was supposed to be her triumphant return to the West End.But Sheridan Smith’s lead role in musical Opening Night is turning into a nightmare.Sheridan Smith’s West End show Opening Night is turning into a nightmareCredit: GettySheridan Smith gives a live performance outside in the rainCredit: Smart PicturesDespite the Cleaning Up actress deservedly getting heaps of praise for her part, critics have savaged the production for the poor plot — which has seen people falling asleep in their chairs — and questionable staging.Now we’re told the cast have been warned not to expect any extra dates beyond the current run, which is due to end in July.And, rather unsurprisingly, insiders say a number of the show’s investors have discussed potentially pulling the plug early.A source said: “Sheridan has been a resounding success but the show itself has been far from it. To say it’s been polarising is an understatement.READ MORE IN BIZARRE“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.Most read in Bizarre“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.”Trailer for Opening Night play starring Sheridan Smith 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.“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.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTheatre can be a cut-throat world and it sounds like this show might be the latest victim.Get out while you can, Sheridan.It comes several years after she recovered from her own public breakdownCredit: Smart Pictures More

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      Football legend lands surprise big-money role in Only Fools and Horses musical 

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      VINNIE Jones has been offered a big-money deal to star in Only Fools and Horses The Musical.But the ex-footballer, 59, will have to polish up his singing skills when the West End comedy returns later this year.Our mock up of what Vinnie Jones might look like in Only Fools and HorsesVinnie as groundskeeper Geoff Seacombe in The GentlemenVinnie is also in hot demand for other TV and film projects following his impressive turn in Netflix smash The Gentlemen.A source told The Sun: “This is proving to be a huge year for Vinnie.”He has received rave reviews across the board for The Gentlemen and his stock has never been higher.“A few months ago he was approached by producers for the return of Only Fools and Horses, playing gangster Danny Driscoll.Read More on Showbiz“Obviously it’s a role made for him — except nobody has really heard his singing voice before so this will surprise people. They are thrashing out terms now.”As part of the deal, former hardman Vinnie has roped in footie pals for cameos, including ex-Chelsea star Dennis Wise.The musical, created by Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan, sees Danny lend money to Derek “Del Boy” Trotter to pay for his brother Rodney’s wedding.When Del Boy is unable to repay the cash, Danny beats him up. Most read in CelebrityEx-Wales midfielder Vinnie has reinvented himself as a film star since retiring from football.He appeared in two of Guy Ritchie’s early films — 1998’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and 2000’s Snatch.Last month he returned to TV screens in Ritchie’s action comedy The Gentlemen, playing groundskeeper Geoff Seacombe.Hilarious Del Boy, Rodney & Uncle Albert Moments – Only Fools and Horses – BBC Comedy Greats More

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      Sheridan Smith’s play Opening Night with rows of seats unsold after ticket prices slashed and she begs fans to come

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      SHERIDAN Smith’s new West End play Opening Night continues to be hit by more bad luck as rows of seats have been left unsold.It comes as Sheridan’s show has been hit by a barrage of negative reviews, audience members claiming they fell asleep and reports of others walking out.Sheridan Smith’s new play Opening Night has rows of unsold seats despite slashed pricesCredit: GettySheridan, seen here with creator Ivo Van Hove, has won praise from fans for her performance but the production has been savagedCredit: GettyIn the latest blow for the troubled show, which features music by Rufus Wainwright, upcoming Saturday night dates for the musical -usually the most in-demand night of the week in theatre land – still show plenty of availability.The matinee on Saturday May 4, for example, shows that two full rows in the stalls have yet to sell a single seat.These are tickets priced at £95, far from the most expensive seats which can reach £175.There are also more than 20 of the cheapest seats in the house still up for grabs at £60 a pop.read more on Sheridan SmithThat same day’s evening performances also currently has four rows in the stalls that are currently, at the time of writing, fully unsold.Prices for these seats range between £70 and £90.Up in the dress circle, meanwhile there are two full rows yet to sell a seat, and in the grand circle, there are three empty rows and lots of other availability in the other rows.Begging fans to buy ticketsIt follows Sheridan – who has received positive reviews for her performance despite the production being slammed by many reviewers- begging fans to come and see the show.Most read in ShowbizShe told Radio 2’s Scott Mills show on Tuesday: “I get terrified, it’s worse as I get older.”I was fearless when I moved to London.Sheridan Smith speaks about booze sessions for the musical Opening Night”Now, there’s so much pressure.”She then urged listeners: “It’s [Opening Night] absolutely fascinating and fun… Please come!”Facing her demonsThe play sees her playing a troubled actress battling her demons, and Sheridan has spoken about how art has imitated her own life.Of the parallels between her former self and her character Myrtle, she said: “I am playing an actress but at least I can add a bit of my emotion to it, some true emotion.Some audience members fell asleep claimed one criticCredit: GettySheridan has stood by the play in the wave of bad pressCredit: PH“It is very freeing. It has actually been really cathartic, just getting it all out.“It’s like I am back, doing it, you know? Taking ownership of it.Audiences not impressedSince the show opened at London’s Gielgud theatre, audiences have not been kind in their response – with several ticketholders walking out before the end.One theatregoer said: “The entire row in front of me left during the interval. I wanted to, but I’m glad I didn’t, as I would have missed the part of the show where Sheridan fights with a ghost while dubstep music is played.”More people in the audience, sat quite near the front, got up and left in a huff during this moment too – while Sheridan was actually onstage.”The reviews from critics have been even more savage.Critics give the cold shoulderOne reviewer even claimed audiences fell asleep during the performance he watched.Stefan Kyriazis, the Arts Editor for Express said: “As the curtain fell, the poor ladies in front of me muttering, ‘I don’t understand – what just happened?’ echoed the bewildered slump of an audience who sat (some smartly snoozed) through Rufus Wainwright’s tuneless tunes, endless pointless and intrusive camerawork (enough, already), some atrocious acting and frustratingly bad staging.”Meanwhile, one theatre lover branded it a “multi-lane pile up”.It was also labelled “tragic” and a “waste of audiences’ time and money”.Prices slashedThings have grown so dire, some ticket-selling services have cut the prices of seats in an attempt to lure audiences.Seat filling service, ShowFilmFirst, are now touting tickets for as little as £25, while the London Theatre Direct website are flogging front row seats for just £110 (which are usually £176).READ MORE SUN STORIESThe event ticket seller has also cut the £105 tickets down to £66.The site also claims that they can get tickets from just £25 and that audience members could save £76 per ticket.Tickets gave been flogged for as little as £25Credit: PH More

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      Sheridan Smith defends under-fire musical as she begs fans ‘please come’ saying ‘there’s so much pressure’

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      SHERIDAN Smith has pleaded with fans to book up for her under-fire musical as she admitted there’s “so much pressure”.The actress’ new play Opening Night has already seen ticket prices slashed – as well as audience members walking out of the West End’s Gielgud Theatre.Sheridan Smith has opened up on the ‘pressure’ of her new on-stage role – and crowds walked outCredit: GettySheridan plays the protagonist Myrtle Gordon in Opening NightCredit: GettyShe has begged fans to ‘please come’ to the musical – which has also seen crowd members fall asleep’Credit: PHThe musical of the 1977 movie has now been left in chaos with Gavin and Stacey star Sheridan, 42, now admitting she is feeling the heat.She told Radio 2’s Scott Mills show on Tuesday: “I get terrified, it’s worse as I get older. “I was fearless when I moved to London. “Now, there’s so much pressure.”read more sheridan smithShe then insisted to listeners: “It’s [Opening Night] absolutely fascinating and fun… Please come!”Curtain’s upIn the show, Sheridan plays functioning alcoholic actress Myrtle Gordon.Her character suffers a mental breakdown and leans on booze to help her through after she is left devastated by the death of a teenage fan.One theatre buff has already compared the performance to a “multi-lane pile-up,” while another dubbed it “tragic”. Most read in ShowbizStefan Kyriazis, the Arts Editor for Express said: “As the curtain fell, the poor ladies in front of me muttering, ‘I don’t understand – what just happened?’ echoed the bewildered slump of an audience who sat (some smartly snoozed) through Rufus Wainwright’s tuneless tunes, endless pointless and intrusive camerawork (enough, already), some atrocious acting and frustratingly bad staging.”Sheridan Smith speaks about booze sessions for the musical Opening NightAccording to another critic: “Half the audience loved it, the other half hated it.”Mental health battleSheridan has previously addressed her battles with anxiety, depression and addiction.The Fat Friends actress told how these increased the more successful she became, winning rave reviews for her performances on stage and in TV dramas including Cilla and The C Word.During her career, she’s received BAFTA and Olivier awards, but despite the glory, she hid her mental health issues.The new play sees her staggering around the streets of London’s Soho as she portrays her alcoholic character in stark detail.She previously told The Sun on Sunday that even amid her own booze sessions, “I have never turned up crawling into the theatre.”The star has described the role as a “sign” after she also hit rock bottom in 2016 while starring in London’s West End as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, cancelling one show 15 minutes into the performance.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpeaking backstage following her first show, she said: “It is kind of like therapy.”She added: “I love leaving it all on the stage. I have to say, it is quite fun doing that scene outside.”Sadly the London show has been left in chaos following a slew of negative reviewsCredit: PHSheridan has previously described the role as a “sign” after her battlesCredit: Getty More

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      Fresh blow for Sheridan Smith as ticket prices slashed on Opening Night play – after audiences walked out or fell asleep

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      THE Tickets for Sheridan Smith’s Opening Night have been slashed by more than forty per cent.It comes after last week members of the audience ‘fell asleep’ and ‘left the theatre’ during the show.The prices to Sheridan Smith’s show Opening Night have been slashedCredit: SplashSheridan has taken on the role of Myrtle Gordon in the showCredit: GettyOn March 6 Sheridan took on the role of Myrtle Gordon as part of Opening Night at the Gielgud Theatre.The show is based on the 1977 film with the same name.It has been left with mixed reviews as some have even fallen asleep during the show.Seat filling service, ShowFilmFirst, are now flogging the tickets for as little as £25, while the London Theatre Direct website are offering front row seats for just £110 (which are usually £176).Read more on Sheridan SmithThe event ticket seller has also dropped the £105 tickets down to £66.The site also says that they can get tickets from just £25 and that they could save £76 per ticket.Just last month The Sun revealed that audience members walked out before the show’s curtain call.One theatregoer said: “The entire row in front of me left during the interval. I wanted to, but I’m glad I didn’t, as I would have missed the part of the show where Sheridan fights with a ghost while dubstep music is played.Most read in Showbiz”More people in the audience, sat quite near the front, got up and left in a huff during this moment too – while Sheridan was actually onstage.”They continued: “During the interval and after the show, everyone around me was talking about how confused they were by the show, and found the screens dotted around the theatre extremely distracting.”Sheridan put on an excellent show, but the material she and the rest of the cast had been given to work with was pretty shocking – with poor songs and a dull storyline.”The show is still in previews, so hopefully there are some drastic re-writes before opening night. “Otherwise it’ll be Closing Night sooner than planned.”Tellingly, there was no standing ovation – something extremely rare for a West End show, especially with a cast of this calibre.”Opening Night follows the story of an alcoholic Broadway star who has struggled to come to terms with the death of a teenage fan.The audience watch Sheridan crawl through the streets of London as part of the performance – and it is all filmed live and played out onto a screen for the audience inside. The award-winning actress, who is in character, realises that she’s late to the first night of her show after drinking booze.Speaking about the opening scene of the show, Sheridan said: “I love leaving it all on the stage. I have to say, it is quite fun doing that scene outside.“I know my publicist doesn’t like it very much for safety reasons and she has a panic but I love it because it is live and so immersive.“My knees have taken a bit of a knock but it all adds to the excitement.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It will be different every night which keeps it fresh as people will be crossing to the shops — it will be interesting.”The show will run until July 27. Sheridan will play Myrtle until July 27Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk More

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      Hollywood star Matthew Broderick ‘caught running red light and cycling straight past warning sign’ in London

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      HOLLYWOOD star Matthew Broderick has been caught running a red light in London. The actor, who was previously charged with death by dangerous driving in the 1980s, was snapped seemingly speeding past a warning sign last month.West End star Matthew Broderick was seen apparently ignoring a red lightCredit: TillenDoveHe cycled straight through a wait here sign in North LondonCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskHe is currently living in London with wife Sarah Jessica ParkerCredit: GettyHe is currently in the UK starring in the West End’s Plaza Suite play alongside his wife Sarah Jessica Parker. The pair have been making the most of their time in the UK – being spotted out for walks in Hamstead Heath and sipping pints in a Highgate boozer. But on Febuary 2, Broderick looked flustered as he was apparently caught breaking the rules of the road in North London. Photos show him seemingly ignoring a temporary red light while riding on a Lime bike through a busy junction.MORE ON BROADERICKThe star, wearing a bike helmet and gloves, was on his way to the theatre when he was caught out.Running a red light can attract a minimum fine of £50, as well as three points on your licence if you drive a car.This can be bumped up to £1,000 and six points in more serious cases.And while many might not be aware, cyclists can also be sanctioned despite not having to be registered or licenced to use the road.Most read in ShowbizMatthew was involved in a fatal car collision years previously, and charged with causing death by dangerous driving.The crash happened while he was on a secret romantic trip with Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey in Northern Ireland in 1987.Watch the trailer for classic 1986 feel-good film Ferris Bueller’s Day OffHe drove his car onto the wrong side of the road and collided head on with another vehicle.It killed a 28-year-old woman, Anna Gallagher, and her mother Margaret, 63. Matthew was later convicted of careless driving and fined $175.In 2012, Matthew was subjected to a barrage of criticism after featuring in a Honda advert as the brand’s ambassador.Following the advert controversy, the son and brother of the crash victims, Mr Doherty, said he had forgiven him.“It wasn’t the greatest choice of drivers knowing his past [but] I suppose at the end of the day it was years ago,” he told The Impartial Reporter.Matthew is best known for playing the role of Ferris Bueller, from the 1986 blockbuster hit film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.Fans might also recognize his dulcet tones as the voice of Simba in Disney’s original The Lion King.His other film credits include Godzilla, Election, Inspector Gadget, and Bee Movie.Broderick has won two Tony Awards for his roles in Brighton Beach Memoirs and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which he starred in alongside his wife, Sarah Jessica Parker.He also played Leo Bloom in the Broadway musical The Producers and its later film adaptation.Broderick and the Sex And The City actress, Parker, were married on May 19, 1997, in New York.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe happy couple first met on Broadway when Broderick was directing a play for Parker’s older brothers’ theatre company.The Sun has contacted Mr Broderick and the Met Police for comment.In 1987 he was convicted of careless driving, in Northern IrelandCredit: TillenDoveMatthew had been on his way to the Savoy TheatreCredit: TillenDove More