‘Heartbroken’ Sheridan Smith breaks her silence on the closure of her West End play Opening Night as she reveals why she took on the role which forced her to ‘face my demons’

Sheridan Smith has insisted she has ‘no regrets’ about taking the lead role in her West End flop Opening Night.

The actress’s West End comeback has been fraught with problems, including poor reviews and poor attendance, and as a result the musical has been canceled and will end two months earlier than originally planned.

Speak with The timesSheridan became emotional as she explained that she was ‘heartbroken’ for the cast and crew who worked on the play, but said she would do it all over again ‘in a heartbeat’.

“I feel sorry for the team and all the work they put in, but I’m at that age now where I want to be challenged,” the acclaimed actress explained.

‘I want to do new things, I don’t want to do the same boring things. I would do it again, so I have no regrets.’

Opening Night tells the story of functioning alcoholic actress Myrtle Gordon (Sheridan) who is given a second chance – it is based on the 1977 drama film starring Gena Rowlands.

Sheridan has admitted that the role forced her to confront her own issues after she suffered a highly publicized breakdown during a performance in Funny Girl in the West End in 2016.

“I was very ashamed of that time in my life, and I wanted to play this role to prove that I could do it, that I could face my demons head-on,” she told The Times. “I’m so much stronger than I was then.”

‘I went off the rails a bit, dated the wrong people, obviously my breakdown. Now I feel like I’m a mother, I’m very grateful for everything I have in my life. I feel like the best is yet to come.”

Opening Night now ends on May 18 at London’s Gielgud Theater instead of July 27 – and producers blamed a ‘challenging financial landscape’ for the decision.

Announcing the news in April, the production team said the play “may not have had the life we ​​hoped for.”

Sheridan recently begged people to come see the show after it was turned away by theatergoers who claimed it was ‘boring’ and walked out mid-show.

However, it appears her plea was not enough to mobilize audiences for the poorly reviewed play – directed by Ivo Van Hove and with music by Rufus Wainwright – which the producers have now admitted was ‘always a risk’.

Announcing the early end of the series, producers Wessex Grove said: ‘It is an honor to produce this wonderful 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 . their incredible team, led by the excellent Sheridan Smith.

“In a challenging financial landscape, Opening Night was always a risk and while the production may not have had the life we ​​hoped for, we are immensely proud of the risk we took and this extraordinary production.

“Our world-class cast delivers a brilliant show night after night, and there are still five weeks to see Sheridan Smith in the role of a lifetime. What is certain and safe has its place.

‘But Wessex Grove exists to produce great artists in the West End and to provide a space for original, artist-led productions in the commercial sector, productions exactly like Opening Night.

We are grateful for all the support everyone has given us during the making of this show, and look forward to celebrating the rest of its run.”

It came just days after the musical was hit by another problem when Sheridan was ‘banned’ from leaving the theater due to a nearby crime scene.

The show is performed in a venue located between two pubs in London’s West End, which naturally attracts rowdy drinkers.

During the show, Sheridan’s character Myrtle takes to the streets to perform a scene while the audience watches from a screen inside – surprising and sometimes fooling passersby outdoors.

Director Ivo has defended the play, describing lead actress Sheridan as ‘brave’ for taking on the complex role in the production.

He said: “I had the most amazing and inspiring time making Opening Night thanks to the talent and dedication of our incredible cast and production team.

‘They were led by the exceptional Sheridan Smith, who had the courage to play such a complex role in the West End. I try to be fearless and sincere in everything I create.

‘With Rufus’ beautiful music, we have created something completely unique and true to John Cassavetes’ bold exploration of the human condition.

‘It will always have a special place in my heart.

“It’s always sad when a show closes early, but I know Opening Night will live long in the memories of those who saw and created it.”

Next up for Sheridan is the lead role in a gritty new drama.

The actress, 42, will play Ann Ming, the mother who fought to change the law after her daughter Julie Hogg was murdered by her ex-partner in 1989.

The new ITV drama, which starts later this year, will be based on Ann’s book For The Love Of Julie.

After fifteen years of fighting, Ann succeeded in changing the 800-year-old double jeopardy law, which meant people could not be tried twice for the same crime.

Speaking about the new role, Sheridan said: “I am so honored to have been asked to play the role of Ann Ming, a mother so determined to fight for justice for her murdered daughter that she has spent fifteen years campaigning for the Double Jeopardy Law. be changed.’