Sheridan Smith show set to close early over "challenging financial landscape"

sheridan smith, opening night
Sheridan Smith show set to close earlyJan Versweyveld
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Sheridan Smith's new musical Opening Night will be ending its run early due to a "challenging financial landscape".

Wessex Grove, Gavin Kalin Productions and Playful Productions announced that the show will now end its limited run at the Gielgud Theatre on May 18, 2024, instead of July 27, 2024.

Those who have tickets from May 20 – July 27, 2024 will be contacted direct by their point of sale.

sheridan smith, opening night
Jan Versweyveld

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Opening Night stars Sheridan Smith (Myrtle), Hadley Fraser (Manny), Shira Haas (Nancy), Nicola Hughes (Sarah) and Amy Lennox (Dorothy) among its large cast.

Describing it as an "honour to produce this beautiful new musical in the West End", Producers Wessex Grove praised the cast and crew "led by the exquisite Sheridan Smith".

A statement reads: "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.

"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."

sheridan smith, john marquez, opening night
Jan Versweyveld

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The show was directed and conceived by Ivo Van Hove, who also praised the "talent and commitment" of the "incredible cast and production team".

He added: "They were led by the exceptional Sheridan Smith, who had the bravery to play such a complex role in the West End. I try to be fearless and sincere in everything I make. With Rufus [Wainwright]'s beautiful music, we made something totally unique and true to John Cassavetes' daring exploration of the human condition.

"It will forever have a special place in my heart. It is always sad when a show closes early but I know that Opening Night will live long in the memories of those who saw it and made it."

Opening Night, starring Sheridan Smith, will run at the Gielgud Theatre in central London until May 18, 2024, with tickets available here.

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