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

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    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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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

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      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

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      Sheridan Smith reveals new problem at under-fire play Opening Night as security ‘ban her from leaving’ –

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      IT’s fair to say that Sheridan Smith has been through a torrid time of late, with her West End show blasted by the critics and members of the audience leaving in the interval. Now the drama surrounding The Gielgud Theatre’s show Opening Night, has ramped up a notch, as Sheridan has revealed that she almost found herself embroiled in a crime scene, mid-performance. Despite audience members walking out, plenty remained to cheer Sheridan onCredit: GettySheridan plays the role of American actress Myrtle who is battle alcohol addictionCredit: GettyHer character Myrtle, a struggling alcoholic, is slumped outside the stage door, which is filmed live and projected via a screen into the theatre. But the actress said that security had to interfere, as police were restraining someone nearby. She told The Chris Evans Breakfast show on Virgin Radio: ” Security wouldn’t let me go out too far the other night because someone was being arrested and restrained on the floor and I was like, “It’s fine, it doesn’t matter and they were like, “No, no you can’t go too far over that way. So I had to start the scene a bit closer to the stage door.”The 42 -year -old also told how the theatres location means that drunk revelers often try to interfere with her performance.She said:  “It’s right between two pubs, so people are all outside hammered and they want to come and try and help me.’read more about SheridanArriving at the Virgin Studios for the interview earlier this week, the actress put on a brave, face, smiling for the cameras, amid ticket prices slashed to just £25 and mounting speculation that the show may close early. Based on the 1977 film of the same name, Opening Night tells the story of alcoholic actress Myrtle Gordon, played by Smith who finds herself on the verge of a breakdown, prompted by the death of a teenage fan.But the show, which features music and lyrics by singer songwriter, Rufus Wainwright, has failed to inspire audiences, who have been leaving the theatre in their droves during the interval. Concerns raised by various theatre dwellers has been that the plot left them confused. Most read in ShowbizIndeed other sources have claimed that die-hard fans of Sheridan are accustomed to seeing her in upbeat roles, like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and most recently Shirley Valentine at the Duke of York Theatre last year.A Source told The Sun: ‘The role of Myrtle is perhaps more complex than the bubbly characters we are used to seeing Sheridan play on stage, like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde for example. So fans coming for a happy clappy night out at the theatre may end up feeling short changed.’Critic Stefan Kyriazis, the Arts Editor for the Express was also unimpressed and noticed that some audience members even fell alseep. “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.”The Gavin and Stacey star, who’s been acting since she was a child, admitted recently that she feels tremendous pressure to sell tickets. Speaking on the Scott Mills Radio Show, she said:  “ I get terrified, it’s worse as I get older. I was fearless when I moved to London. Now there’s so much pressure.’ And the Lancashire-born star even pleaded with fans to buy a ticket. She added: “Opening Night is absolutely fascinating and fun- please come.”But despite the less than complimentary reviews, few could deny Sheridan’s magnetic performance as a woman struggling with mental health problems and addiction.Indeed the storyline perhaps resonated with the star who in 2017 confessed to battling anxiety, depression and addiction in her 30s, sparked by the death of her father Colin in 2016.But recently the award winning actress has said that taking on the role in Opening Night, was like coming “full circle” as she has acquired the necessary life experience to fully inhabit the character.READ MORE SUN STORIESSpeaking about the parallels between herself and Myrtle she said: “I am playing an actress, but at least I can add a bit of my emotion to it, some true emotion. It’s very freeing. I has actually been really cathartic, just getting it all out.”Opening Night at the Gielgud Theatre is due to run until 27th July.The music for the show has been composed by singer, songwriter extrordinaire, Rufus WainwrightCredit: GettySheridan at the press night and afterparty for the show at The Ham Yard hotelCredit: GettyHaving battled her own demons, Sheridan has said that playing the role has felt like coming full circleCredit: Getty More

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      Nicole Scherzinger, 45, looks incredible in TINY blue bikini as she strips off for dip in hot tub during Hawaii getaway

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      THOSE X-rated dance routines that marked her years in the Pussy Cat Dolls have certainly paid off for Nicole Scherzinger.The 45-year-old stripped down to a tiny blue bikini showing off her flawless physique on a luxury holiday in her native Hawaii. Her enviable figure is thanks to countless years of dancing, working out and eating healthyCredit: instagramNicole is expected at the Olivier’s on Sunday before prep begins to take Sunset Boulevard to BroadwayCredit: instagramPalm trees, blue skies and a swimming pool, what could be better?Credit: instagramA keen yoga enthusiast, Nicole enjoys a spot of meditation in the pool areaCredit: instagramThe star has jetted off to the sun to enjoy a period of relaxation with her fiancé, the former rugby player Tom Evans. Earlier this year she concluded a challenging six-month stint in the West End, playing Norma Desmond in director Jamie Lloyd’s revamped version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard. Indeed the former popstar won rave reviews for her performance and has been nominated for an Olivier Award at the London ceremony this weekend. Then preparations will begin for her Broadway debut when Sunset Boulevard transfers to the great white way in the autumn. READ MORE NICOLE SCHERZINGERNicole described the experience of working on the Jamie Lloyd production as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.She told Closer magazine: “It was life-changing. The most exhausting thing in my life but the most rewarding.”“It felt like I’d won the Olympics when it was finished. It was hard work but it’s my passion and I wear my heart on sleeve. Now we’re going to Broadway. “It’s my dream job. I’m living my best life performing on stage… But would do less shows.”Most read in ShowbizNicole is expected to walk the red carpet at the Royal Albert Hall for the Olivier Awards this Sunday, where she has been nominated for best actress in a musical.Nicole Scherzinger fans can’t believe her real age as she shows off her washboard abs with sexy dance routine Nicole enjoys the fresh mountainous breeze and the breathtaking landscape while on holidayCredit: instagram More

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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 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