Despite reports her underperforming musical Opening Night may have to close early, Sheridan Smith flashed a big smile as she went into Virgin Radio to push the troubled production

Sheridan Smith looks in high spirits despite some scathing reviews of her new stage show – with dozen of audience members reportedly walking out.

The 42-year-old has pleaded with fans to buy tickets for Opening Night as fears grow that the production may shut early. The London’s Gielgud Theatre play has not been well received by the critics or some customers, despite others saying they enjoyed the performance.

She arrived Virgin Radio in ripped jeans, a black jacket with tassels, a dark grey r-shirt and shades. She flashed a smile as she headed in for a chat. In the show, Sheridan takes on the role of alcoholic actress Myrtle Gordon, who is traumatised by the death of a teenage fan. The play is based on the 1977 film of the same name.

But despite former Royle Family, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and Gavin and Stacey star Sheridan usually being a huge hit with fans, theatre-goers don’t quite seem to be getting her latest project – and despite the show only opening on March 6, ticket prices have already been slashed, with tickets now available for as little as £25.

She seemed in a positive place as she arrived at the Virgin Radio studios earlier (
Image:
MATTPAPZ / BACKGRID)

Even her star power can’t get bums on seats for new show Opening Night (

In one of the latest performances, MailOnline claim around 50 audience members had walked out of the theatre before the end. Staff informed the publication that this had been a “regular occurrence” since Opening Night started its run. Among the issues raised by audience members have been that plot has been confusing with one saying: “We didn’t understand what was going on in the first half.”

Other audience members have reportedly fallen asleep during the show. Confessing she felt pressure to fill seats, Sheridan told Scott Mills on his Radio 2 show: “I get terrified, it’s worse as I get older. I was fearless when I moved to London. Now, there’s so much pressure.” In a plea to fans, she added: [Opening Night] is absolutely fascinating and fun – please come!”

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Opening up to The Guardian, Sheridan said that this role has been helping to repair the damage of a ‘meltdown’ in 2016 after she was trolled for her performance in Funny Girl. Sheridan said: “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. I felt so ashamed of that time. I need to prove I’m not that person. It’s been very cathartic.”

Speaking about her new role, Sheridan said: “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.”