Sheridan Smith has admitted she feels “terrified” and under “pressure” amid criticism of her latest role in the West End.
The 42-year old is currently starring in the lead role of Myrtle Gordon – a functioning alcoholic Broadway actress in the play, Opening Night. The show, which is taking place in the Gielgud Theatre, is based on a 1977 film and follows Sheridan’s character as she tries to move on following the tragic death of a teenage fan.
Every night a dramatic scene is filmed outside the venue, which sees the actress puffing on a cigarette as she props herself up against a wall. She then stumbles to the cobbled street as her co-stars rush to support her before ushering back inside through the stage doors.
READ MORE: Sheridan Smith ‘falling over drunk in street’ in new scene as she returns to stage
READ MORE: Sheridan Smith suffers huge blow as ‘bored’ audiences walk out of theatre show
The scene is beamed back into the theatre so those in attendance don’t miss any of the action. But despite its unique production method, the show has reportedly seen “bored” audiences walk out.
(Image: GC Images)
Now, Sheridan has opened up about her anxiety in an interview with Scott Mills. She explained: “I get terrified, it’s worse as I get older. I was fearless when I moved to London. Now, there’s so much pressure.”
She went on to beg fans to attend Opening Night, declaring: “It’s absolutely fascinating and fun… please come!”
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Last month it was revealed several audience members were spotted picking up their belongings and leaving the theatre whilst mid-performance of Opening Night. When asked why they had left, one disgruntled customer explained that whilst Sheridan herself was not the problem, it was the content she was given.
Speaking to The Sun, the ticket holder said: “The entire row in front of me left during the interval. I wanted to, but I’m glad I didn’t, as I would have missed the part of the show where Sheridan fights with a ghost while dubstep music is played. Sheridan put on an excellent show, but the material she and the rest of the cast had been given to work with was pretty shocking – with poor songs and a dull storyline.”
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
It comes after Sheridan had opened up on how the role had been helping to heal her from the “meltdown” she suffered in 2016 after she was trolled for her performance in Funny Girl. “Getting the script for Opening Night was a sign… I knew I had to do the play as a way of taking control of what I went through,” she told the Guardian. “I felt so ashamed of that time. I need to prove I’m not that person. It’s been very cathartic.
“There are therapists here that you can talk to… It’s so different from when I had my meltdown eight years ago. There was no support team then. It was just, ‘Get on stage!’… I’m in a stronger place now. We find the truth of a scene, then shake it off and go home.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
