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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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      Sheridan Smith’s Opening Night musical suffers fresh blow as audience members walk out – as others fall asleep

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      SHERIDAN Smith’s West End return Opening Night has proven more divisive than many expected – with some audience members even walking out. The actress has embarked on a 21-week stint in the new musical at the Gielgud Theatre, a show based on the 1977 film with the same name. Sheridan Smith’s Opening Night has continued to see walkoutsCredit: GettyWhile Sheridan has been praised, audience members have walked outCredit: GettyBut despite its striking premise – following an alcoholic theatre star who is left traumatised by the death of a teenage fan – it seems the story has been lost in translation. Since the show opened, there has been a string of issues with the audience falling asleep, sneaking out in the interval, and now walking out while the performance is still on. Critics were also split with their reviews. According to Daily Mail, around 50 audience members left before the final curtain across two separate performances, with the staff informing them it was a ‘regular occurrence’. READ MORE SHERIDAN SMITHThis was largely down to the confusing plot, use of a projecting character close-ups onto a giant video screen on stage, and its ‘chaotic and disjointed’ feeling. One woman described it to the site as “weak and indulgent” and declared: “’We didn’t understand what was going on in the first half.” An unnamed theatre steward added: “I had to show two women out halfway through the second half because they said they needed the toilet – but they didn’t come back. “It’s definitely a unique play.” Most read in ShowbizCreated by avant-garde experimental theatre director Ivo van Hove, with music by Rufus Wainwright, Opening Night follows the life of the struggling Myrtle Gordon whose life is upended after seeing a teenage fan die in front of her. Sheridan, who has openly discussed her own past battle with depression and alcohol addiction, has largely been praised for her portrayal of Myrtle, whose drunken battle results in a filmed piece of Sheridan crawling around the streets of Soho while onlookers watch on unimpressed. When The Sun went to see the show at a preview, one theatregoer told us: “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.””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,” they added.Opening Night will remain at the Gielgud Theatre for the next few monthsCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThe storyline has parallel elements to Sheridan’s real lifeCredit: GettyThe audience have been left with a ‘baffling’ musical that’s divided audience membersCredit: Getty More

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      Sheridan Smith’s new show in chaos as audience members fall ASLEEP and reviewers call it ‘worst piece of theatre’

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      SHERIDAN Smith’s latest theatre was slammed by critics and sent audience members to sleep.The award-winning actress is starring in the musical of 1977 film Opening Night, where she plays functioning alcoholic actress Myrtle Gordon.Sheridan Smith’s new theatre venture left audience members confusedOne critic claimed that people were sleeping in the audienceDespite her incredible reputation in the industry, one theatre buff compared the performance to a “multi-lane pile up”.It was also branded “tragic” and a “waste of audiences’ time and money”. 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.”According to another critic, “half the audience loved it, the other half hated it”. read more on sheridan smithDespite the rough reviews, Sheridan, who has been open about her own mental health battles over the years, was the show’s saving grace. Her character, Myrtle, suffers a mental breakdown and leans on booze to help her through. The storyline is close to home for Sheridan, who opened up about her own demons in 2017. She previously battled anxiety, depression and addiction and said that her “life was falling apart”.Most read in ShowbizThe death of her beloved father Colin in 2016 only fuelled her crisis, which saw her stumble out of a stage door after her Funny Girl stint at the Menier Chocolate Factory.There were rumours that she was drunk on stage, but she has always denied this.She told Sunday Times Culture Magazine: “My life was falling apart and I didn’t tell anyone.”I was totally terrified that I was going to come unstuck, that I couldn’t hold these feelings of insecurity in much longer without it coming to a head.”Which it did last year. My dad getting cancer triggered it, but it had been a long time coming.”Things have been weird for years.”Sheridan previously said that Opening Night was “like therapy” for her, saying it felt like her life had gone “full circle”.Of the parallels between her former self 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 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.In the past Sheridan said her anxiety and feelings of insecurity 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 has received BAFTA and Olivier awards, but despite the glory she hid her mental health issues.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe said: “All I could imagine was people thinking, ‘You should be grateful. Get over yourself.’”But when you have that degree of anxiety, you can’t just pull yourself together and you can’t explain it. It just snowballs until it’s out of control.”Sheridan plays a woman having a mental breakdownCritics said that Sheridan’s performance saved the show More

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      Sitcom stars reunite for Sister Act The Musical – it was so fun we almost died and went to heaven

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      Sister Act The Musical★★★★★Living up to a movie franchise that grossed an eye-watering $356 million dollars was always going to be a challenge, but the St. Katherine’s nuns in the latest West End production served up a slice of heaven.Sister Act The Musical has returned to London with a stellar cast lineup – including the greats such as Beverley Knight and Lemar.The St. Katherine’s nuns in the latest West End production served up a slice of heavenCredit: Johan PerssonSister Act The Musical has returned to London with a stellar cast lineup – including the greats such as Beverley Knight and LemarCredit: Johan PerssonCurtis Jackson is played by singer LemarCredit: Johan PerssonGavin and Stacey legend Ruth Jones was a far cry from Nessa Jenkins but that didn’t stop her sitcom pals James Corden, Alison Steadman and Rob Brydon from turning up to support her on opening night.Waiting in anticipation for the curtain to lift in the packed Dominion theatre, there was immediately a feeling in the air that we were all in for an incredible treat from above.Just like both movies, which are now 30 years old, the show opens as disco babe Deloris is placed into protective custody, with the Catholic church the least likely place she’ll be found by her gangster lover Curtis Jackson (Lemar).Beverley Knight’s voice knows no bounds – and neither does her acting in the role of Ms Cartier. Her impressive vocal range is displayed during the musical’s beautiful songs including Take Me To Heaven and Here Within These Walls.more on theatreRuth Jones stepping into the role of a serious-bible abiding nun was a breath of fresh air, equal parts entertaining and convincing. The Welsh accent sticks out like a sore thumb at the start, but the 57-year-old’s alter ego Mother Superior explains how she emigrated to San Francisco three decades previously. If you say so…The impressive and versatile staging adds to the performance off with the subtle scene changes commanding your undivided attention throughout both parts of the show. In the blink of an eye the audience are catapulted from the back streets to the serenity of the church.As a TV journalist the cast is a crossover delight. Lesley Joseph looks so unrecognisable in her the role that I didn’t realise it was her at first. With over 50 years on stage she truly is a pro and versatile actor. Her vocal range is something to be admired and she shows no signs of slowing down at 78 years of age.Speaking of television, X Factor legend Alexandra Burke will take over the reins from Beverley from June.Most read in ShowbizThe harmony off all voices and ranges during the show is a spectacle, something that gripped the audience – and former Celebrity Big Brother star Wayne Sleep, who needed a wine to process it all during the interval.At the helm of Sister Act is Bill Buckhurst, with choreography by Alistair David, set and costume design by Morgan Large and musical direction by Neil MacDonald.You’ll be truly blessed to see the show – we felt like we’d died and gone to heaven.Cable Street is an ambitious musical with a valuable history lesson and message of hope… it couldn’t be more topicalBeverley Knight’s voice knows no bounds – and neither does her acting in the role of Ms CartierCredit: Johan PerssonLesley Joseph looks so unrecognisable in her the role that we didn’t realise it was her at firstCredit: Johan Persson More

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      Roxy Cinemas brings the Royal Opera experience to Dubai with LIVE Ballet screenings

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      20 mins ago

      Dubai’s cultural scene is set to get even more interesting as Roxy Cinemas announces its partnership with the Royal Opera House in London.
      Offering an unparalleled cinematic experience, Roxy Cinemas will broadcast LIVE ballet and opera performances from the esteemed Royal Opera House’s 2024 season directly onto the big screens in Dubai.

      From 11th February to 4th August 2024, ballet and opera enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a world of artistic brilliance at Roxy Platinum, located in Dubai Hills Mall and Boxpark. The screenings promise to transport audiences into the heart of the action, with fully reclining seats, seat warmers, wireless charging, and in-seat food ordering and delivery, ensuring maximum comfort and convenience. For those unable to attend the LIVE viewings, Roxy Cinemas offers encore presentations in both Platinum and Silver screens.

      The lineup of performances is nothing short of spectacular. From the passionate tragedy of “Manon” to the ethereal beauty of “Swan Lake,” and from the emotional intensity of “Madama Butterfly” to the fiery passion of “Carmen” and the historical drama of “Andrea Chenier,” each screening promises to captivate audiences with masterful choreography, iconic scores, and gripping storytelling.
      To further elevate the experience, all guests can indulge in an exclusive Afternoon Tea in the Platinum Lounge. Priced at Dhs75 per person, guests can enjoy brewed teas, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of pastries and sweets, creating the perfect pre or post-show ambiance.
      Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of the Royal Opera House in the heart of Dubai.
      For more information and to book tickets for the LIVE and encore screenings, visit the Roxy Cinemas website.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper sprinkles some farming magic on the big city with new show

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      IF someone had said I’d enjoy a two and a bit hour show on farming, I’d have laughed them out of the theatre. But that is exactly what happened when I spent the night watching The World According To Kaleb.
      Kaleb rose to fame teaching Jeremy Clarkson how to farmCredit: Andrew Higgins/Thousand Word Media Ltd
      He might be afraid of London but that hasn’t stopped him from bringing the show thereCredit: Plank PR
      It’s no surprise the young farmer is a natural on stage, given he has been mentored by Jeremy Clarkson.
      Within seconds, it’s very clear this isn’t an average one-man show, in fact, he wants you to get involved even if it involves heckling him.
      Kaleb Cooper, 25, starts the show with a quiz to see what farming materials you can recognise.
      Do you know your straw from your hay? By the end of the show, you will.
      READ MORE THEATRE REVIEWS
      He gives a whistle-stop tour through his journey from ordinary teenager into farming whizz.
      The Clarkson’s Farm star also shares why he hates sheep and what the former Top Gear’s flock has to answer to.
      Plus, clips of the past two series of the Amazon Prime series appear throughout the night – just in case you’ve forgotten his best bits.
      While he may have a fear of London, that hasn’t stopped him bringing his tour into the big city.
      Most read in Showbiz
      And he’s certainly happy to try to educate us urban folk about what really goes on in the fields and sheds.
      Hits out at those in power
      Kaleb has taken the time to visit the UK while the farming world is quietCredit: Andrew Higgins/Thousand Word Media
      While most celebrities shy away from controversial topics, Kaleb takes them head on.
      From how farmers are loosing out on the price of milk, to fair pay for all farmers and why the weather is ruining Kaleb and his colleagues’ hair, everything is covered off.
      The farmer calls for ordinary folk to understand that we need to pay more for our basic groceries, like milk.
      He also calls for the agricultural and livestock workers to band together and strike – but only if they can agree what the cause is for.
      Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper reveals exciting new showbiz gig worlds away from the doc that shot him to fame
      And Kaleb isn’t afraid to hit out at those in power with names I won’t repeat. It’s truly refreshing.
      Kaleb is sensational at holding attention. It’s just a shame that the screen behind him got out of sync.
      It took away a little from the magic, and given how vital it was to the show it really should have been smooth transitions.
      Overall, it’s a great show and if it was too polished, it would make me question if Kaleb really was a farmer.

      The World According to Kaleb
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      ★★★★
      Touring until March 11th across the country.

      Kaleb makes the most of tech during his show with a big screenCredit: Andrew Higgins/Thousand Word Media More

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      Cable Street is an ambitious musical with a valuable history lesson and message of hope… it couldn’t be more topical

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      IT could hardly be more topical – a musical about extremism, racial intolerance and the politics of hate.With anti-Semitism rife, communities polarised and far-right politicians emboldened, some draw parallels with the horrors of Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
      This brave new show at Southwark Playhouse tells a powerful story about the day the working people of East London stood up to fascismCredit: Jane Hobson
      The show has a versatile cast, intertwining characters and inventive stagingCredit: Jane Hobson
      But we sometimes need reminding that Hitler’s warped ideology had a foothold in Britain, too.
      And this brave new show at Southwark Playhouse in Borough, south London tells a powerful story about the day the working people of East London stood up to fascism.
      The Battle of Cable Street was a pivotal moment in the capital’s history.
      On a sunny Sunday, October 4, 1936, Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists planned to march through the East End, which had a large Jewish population. 
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      Mosley’s Blackshirts blamed Jews for the lack of jobs and rising rents, and intended their march as a rallying cry to the nation.
      But a 100,000-strong alliance of Jews, Irish immigrants, activists and dockers vowed “They Shall Not Pass” and stood shoulder-to-shoulder in defiance, pushing Mosley’s mob back into humiliating retreat.
      This ambitious new musical by Tim Gilvin and Alex Kanefsky, directed by Adam Lenson, focuses on three young Eastenders and their families – jobless Jewish ex-boxer Sammy, fiery Irish communist Mairaid and disaffected Northerner Ron, seduced by fascism after his move to London in search of a better life proves fruitless.
      The build-up to the march, with Blackshirts preying on distrust and enemies living as neighbours – plus a simmering love between Sammy and Mairaid – make for a compelling story.
      Most read in Showbiz
      The barricaded streets, rousing songs and storyline of defiance against oppression will inevitably draw comparisons with musical titan Les MiserablesCredit: Jane Hobson
      The three principal actors (Joshua Ginsberg, Sha Dessi and Danny Colligan) excel in their roles and many of the 11-strong cast play multiple characters, seamlessly switching between freedom fighter and fear-spreading fascist.
      The barricaded streets, rousing songs and storyline of defiance against oppression will inevitably draw comparisons with musical titan Les Miserables.
      Fury as police bow down to anti-Israel mob at Parliament with protesters projecting inflammatory slogan
      But, with a couple of exceptions (Bread and Roses, No Pasaran), the songs don’t quite match the quality of the performances.
      There’s an odd mix of musical genres – from big show tunes to Sammy’s Hamilton-style rapping and the odd Cockney knees-up – which don’t always sit well together.
      But the versatile cast, intertwining characters and inventive staging – all cleverly framed in the context of a modern-day tour group being shown around the East End – provide a valuable history lesson and ultimately, a welcome message of hope.
      At Southwark Playhouse, Borough, until March 16. Visit https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/cable-street/
      Cable Street
      Southwark Playhouse, London
      ★★★★☆
      The Battle of Cable Street was a pivotal moment in the capital’s history More

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      I Should Be So Lucky is a nostalgic trip down memory road thanks to Kylie, but at times it’s a bit confusing

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      LOVE, in all its forms, has got to be the most written about subject in song. And no one in the late 1980’s had that nailed more than hit factory producers Stock Aitken and Waterman.
      Ellie is jilted at the altar but decides to head off on her honeymoon anywayCredit: New Wimbledon Theatre
      Groom Nathan followers her on the trip in a bid to win her back with the help of his best manCredit: New Wimbledon Theatre
      Whether it was Kylie, Jason Donovan, Rick Astley, Sonia, Sinitta, or even Samantha Fox singing their little hearts out on stage, their perky, poppy earworms dominated the charts at a time when the world was wearing thin. 
      So now, as wars rage all around in a cost of living crisis, it’s no surprise that someone had the bright idea of bringing all those snappy songs back for a stage musical.
      I Should Be So Lucky, touring now, is not for you if you’ve been a goth since 1987. 
      But if you ‘downloaded’ the Radio One charts by pressing play and record at the same time on your cassette player, this little slice of easy escapism will take you straight back to those shoulder pads, shell suits, pastels, and perms. 
      READ MORE THEATRE REVIEWS
      Based around a very loose plot which sees Kylie-superfan Ellie jilted at the altar – she decides, via the medium of Stock Aitken and Waterman songs – to nip off on her honeymoon with her rowdy friends and family instead. 
      Groom Nathan and his best friend Ash, follow her out to Turkey to win her back and comedy chaos ensues. 
      It’s not the most original storyline and there’s too many subplots which can leave you a bit confused.
      But who cares when Kylie keeps appearing to dole out peppy positive vibes via a huge mirror descending from the sky?
      Most read in Showbiz
      Boosted by a fabulous stage setting, the cast happily twirl and swirl around the space with props – skilfully masking continuous set rebuilds. 
      So it’s no surprise to find out the creative director of Strictly Come Dancing is behind the choreography and Debbie Isitt, the mind behind the Nativity! franchise is the driving force.
      Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan reveal why they returned to Neighbours for the finale
      And everyone looks absolutely joyous throughout the performance. 
      Smiling away with regional accents and regular body shapes, it was completely accessible – making you feel very much part of the party. 
      Lucy Mae Sumner brings exactly the right level of comedy and cringe to the role, ably assisted by a super competent cast – including a very funny Giovanni Peno as Best Man Ash. 
      With songs like Toy Boy, Too Many Broken Hearts, Never Going to Give You Up and Especially For You – it sweeps you up into a sparkly, Spanx-filled, starry-eyed sing-along.
      And with an audience sing-along at the end, it’s the perfect warm, reassuring hug on a cold January night.

      I Should Be So Lucky
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      ★★★
      Touring until April 27, for tickets and dates visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/i-should-be-so-lucky/ More