Sheridan Smith fans rally behind actress as they rush to see cancelled show ahead of its closure
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.
Earlier 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.
The 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.
They 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.”
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.
“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.
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.
