Sheridan Smith’s West End play has been cancelled two months early.
Producers of Opening Night have instead blamed the “challenging financial landscape” for ending the play long before it’s time. It come after “bored” audience members decided to walk out of the auditorium and offered up negative reviews.
The show was due to run at the Gielgud Theatre in London until July 27 but after facing some hefty critics, it’s now been decided that it’ll conclude on Saturday May 18 instead.
READ MORE: Want more showbiz? Daily Star has just the thing for you!
READ MORE: Want more TV? Daily Star has just the thing for you!
On Thursday (April 11), production executives announced the shock news that the play would come to an end two months ahead of time. They explained it “may not have had the life we had hoped for”.
(Image: GC Images)
After the production had been heavily blasted by people who claimed they’d left their seats early because it was “boring”, The Two Pints Of Larger And A Packet Of Crisps star encouraged her fans to ignore haters and make their own minds up.
In spite of the actress attempting to implore folk to attend, it appears it wasn’t enough to turn the tides. Director Van Hove and Rufus Wainwright – who created the music – have since admitted the play was “always a risk”.
(Image: PA)
The Wessex Grove team said: “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.”
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
The spokesperson added: “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.”
Following her West End performance yesterday, Sheridan was greeted by her good friend and former Emmerdale star Charley Webb who had been in the audience showing support for her chum. Coming off of the stage, she exited the theatre dressed down wearing a sweater and jogging bottoms.
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
