Based on the legendary 1977 film by John Cassavetes, OPENING NIGHT is now playing at the Gielgud Theatre for a limited run in 2024!
BAFTA and two-time Olivier® award-winner Sheridan Smith (Shirley Valentine) returns to stage in the world premiere of new musical OPENING NIGHT. Sheridan delivers a performance like never before in this musical about a theatre company barrelling towards their big opening night.
This production features music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright, one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation. Book and direction are by Tony and Olivier award-winner Ivo van Hove (A Little Life).
Starring alongside Sheridan Smith as Myrtle are Hadley Fraser (Les Miserables) as Manny, Shira Haas (Unorthodox) as Nancy, Nicola Hughes (Fosse) as Sarah, Amy Lennox (Cabaret) as Dorothy and John Marquez (Pygmalion) as David.
Joining them will be Benjamin Walker, Rebecca Thornhill, Cilla Silvia, Ian McLarnon and Jos Slovick. Robert Finlayson, Daniel Forrester, Jennifer Hepburn, Issy Khogali and Chrissie Perkins complete the cast.
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Opening Night follows a theatre company’s preparations to stage a major new play on Broadway. When tragedy strikes their leading lady, drama ignites behind the scenes. The action centres around world-famous actress Myrtle Gordon who, while struggling with her starring role, is plunged into turmoil when she witnesses a fan being fatally hit by a car. Deeply affected by the incident, the cast and crew rally around Myrtle as she battles her inner demons, confronts her past, and contemplates her future.
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2hrs 25mins (incl. interval)
Rufus Wainwright (Music & Lyrics), Ivo Van Hove (Director)
Sheridan Smith (Myrtle). Hadley Fraser (Manny). Shira Haas (Nancy). Nicola Hughes (Sarah). Amy Lennox (Dorothy). John Marquez (David). Benjamin Walker (Maurice). Rebecca Thornhill (Kelly). Cilla Silvia (Carla). Ian McLarnon (Leo). Jos Slovick (Gus).
Robert Finlayson, Daniel Forrester, Jennifer Hepburn, Issy Khogali and Chrissie Perkins.
Photo Credit: Jan Versweyveld
'Captivating. Sheridan Smith shakes up musical theatre.'
'Sheridan Smith is unstoppable - I was simply in awe of her. Extraordinary.'
'Sheridan Smith is superb. There is truly nothing else like it.'
