not sheri good
Sheridan Smith fans fall ASLEEP at theatre show as others blast ‘I don’t get it’ before TWENTY people walk out
One person was seen nodding off before being abruptly woken by Sheridan's loud singing
SHERIDAN Smith's under-fire theatre show has suffered another blow after fans fell asleep during the latest performance.
Yesterday it was confirmed that Opening Night has had its run at the Gielgud Theatre cut short and will end two months earlier than planned.
2
2
Now it's been reported that 20 theatregoers walked out of the show after some were heard muttering "I don't get it".
The reports that one person was seen nodding off before being abruptly woken by 42-year-old Sheridan's loud singing.
One person told the publication: "It was terrible. This is the first time I’ve walked out from a West End play. It was just very confusing- none of us got what they were trying to do.
"I thought Sheridan was fantastic but I couldn’t work out whether she was the main character in the play or one of the supporting cast."
read More on Sheridan Smith
Confirming the show's shortened run yesterday, producers Wessex Grove said: "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.
"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.
Most read in Showbiz
"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 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."
Sheridan Smith speaks about booze sessions for the musical Opening Night
“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."
Topics