Sheridan Smith’s West End musical, Opening Night, has faced numerous challenges and negative reviews leading to its cancellation two months early. Critics and audience members were unimpressed with the production, leading producers to end its run at the Gielgud Theatre in London on May 18 instead of the originally planned July 27. The financial difficulties and lukewarm reception ultimately led to this decision. Despite Smith imploring audiences to come see the show, the play failed to attract the kind of interest and support needed for a successful run.
The production team behind Opening Night acknowledged that the play did not meet expectations and noted that it was always a risk to produce such a show in the commercial sector. Despite the early end of the run, they expressed pride in the production and the talent involved, including Sheridan Smith. The show’s writer, Ivo, defended Smith’s performance in the challenging role and praised her bravery for taking it on. He highlighted the unique and daring aspects of the production and expressed gratitude for the experience of creating it.
Smith herself encountered difficulties during the run of the show, including being ‘banned’ from leaving the theatre due to a nearby police incident. The location of the theatre between two pubs also posed challenges, with drunk revelers sometimes mistaking her performance for reality and attempting to help her when she was in character. Despite these challenges, Smith remained dedicated to her role as Myrtle and continued to deliver passionate performances even amidst the issues the show faced.
The underwhelming response from audiences led to slashed ticket prices and a decrease in attendance, with many theatergoers leaving during the show’s interval due to confusion over the plot and a lack of engagement. Investors expressed concerns about poor ticket sales and the potential financial losses associated with the unsuccessful production. Smith’s reputation as a talented actress was noted, but it was clear that even her star power could not save the struggling show from its inevitable end.
Smith urged fans to attend the production and shared her feelings of pressure and fear regarding her performance. She acknowledged the challenges of the role but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play such a complex character. Despite the setbacks and the premature end of the show, Smith remained dedicated to delivering a memorable performance and hoped that those who saw Opening Night would appreciate the experience. The play’s impact on nearby businesses was noted, with some benefiting from the attention drawn by Smith’s character’s street scenes.
In conclusion, Sheridan Smith’s experience with the West End musical, Opening Night, highlights the challenges and risks inherent in producing original works in the commercial sector. Despite the talented cast and production team involved, the play faced insurmountable obstacles that ultimately led to its early closure. Smith’s dedication to her role and her efforts to promote the show demonstrate her commitment to the production, even in the face of criticism and setbacks. While the play may have fallen short of expectations, the lessons learned from its run will undoubtedly inform future endeavors in the theater industry.
