Sheridan Smith breaks down in tears while discussing her guilt over the failure of her play Opening Night and admits to ‘feeling like she let everybody down’

Sheridan Smith broke down while discussing the failure of her play Opening Night.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, the 42-year-old actress was moved to tears during the interview as she admitted she “felt like she was letting everyone down.”

After first hitting the stage in March, it was announced last month that Opening Night will end its run at London’s Gielgud Theater on May 18 instead of July 27 – and producers blamed the decision on a ‘challenging financial landscape’ .

Announcing the news, the production team said the play “may not have had the life we ​​had hoped” – something Sheridan complained and blamed himself for.

The bereft star said: ‘I was just heartbroken for the company. I felt like I was letting them down in a way, that I couldn’t sell it.”

Speaking to the Sunday Times, the 42-year-old actress was moved to tears during the interview as she admitted she ‘felt like she was letting everyone down’ (Sheridan pictured her leaving rehearsals in February)

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.

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

She 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.”

Since the news emerged, producers have admitted that the play, directed by Ivo Van Hove and with music by Rufus Wainwright, 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 outstanding 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…

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

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.

“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.

Fans have been baffled and bored by the production, with dozens of theatergoers leaving the show almost every night since its debut on March 6.

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 forever 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.”