This is your chance to see the brilliant Sheridan Smith on the West End stage once more, this time playing the lead role of Myrtle in Opening Night, a fresh new musical based on the 1970s cult movie of the same name. Come experience the world premiere of Opening Night, created by the songwriter and performer Rufus Wainwright and the multi-award winning director Ivo van Hove. It’s on at the Gielgud Theatre for a strictly limited run, from 6th March to 27th July 2024, and if psychological drama is your thing it’s going to be an experience to remember.
The 1977 movie was written and directed by John Cassavetes, who also played a role. The plot concerns the alcoholic actor Myrtle Gordon, who is working on the premiere of a Broadway show. When she sees a fan of hers run down by a car while chasing her for an autograph, Myrtle’s mental health slumps into a sharp decline. She keeps seeing the girl’s ghost, and she’s being driven to breaking point by it. This taut, tense story is designed to thrill, a West End musical classic-in-the-making to remember.
«»
Audience Latest Reviews
Reviews Summary based on 29 reviews
General:
What to expect Acting: Music: Costumes: Story: Lighting:
Recommendations Anyone:
Families:
Teenagers:
Young Couples:
Theatregoers:
Confusing Story
Sheridan Smith and cast give it their all, but storyline is confusing and fairly weak. No real musical bangers!
Pete, 17 May 2024
Inventive and makes you think
This show was brilliant, loved the playing about with camera work that enhances the story. All cast were brilliant and all the singing was world class. The music score was very fitting with the story and Rufus Wainwright has done a great job.I find that the critical reviews posted say more about the reviewers attitude to trying new things than what this show has done. If we don't change we remain the same and that is not the theatre I want to see. Go and see this the audience loved it and standing ovation at end says more than any reviewers words.
Alexander, 09 May 2024
Fabulous acting
Although the show has had mixed reviews, it seemed that everyone in the theatre thoroughly enjoyed the show
Berenice, 28 Apr 2024
A bit different
Well after the bad revues we didn’t know what to expect . Booked in the first place because Sheryl Smith is so talented
and always dependable. She was , but the storyline was complicated and weak Didn’t like the scene fighting with Nancy
but unfortunately it was part of this story of anguish and mental issues for the star .
Sadly wouldn’t recommend but glad we came to decide for ourselves.
Michael, 27 Apr 2024
Loved it
After seeing reviews and the fact show is closing early I was interested in knowing why as I had wanted to see show since first advertised. Sheridan Smith and rest of cast were brilliant and I really enjoyed show especially songs and music
Stella-Marie, 24 Apr 2024
loved the show
Loved the show 2nd half the best , don’t understand the negative reviews at all
david, 17 Apr 2024
excellent performances
not usual a theatre goer, but like Sheridan Smith so thought we would give it a go. was a great evening and some great voices and performances.
ADRIAN, 09 Apr 2024
Dissapointing
I liked the idea of dealing with how the theatre industry deals with itself. How video was used distracted me from enjoying the musical by watching a large screen and two small screens at the same time as viewing the acting and singing. Having a camera operator follow the action was another distraction. It worked when Mytle was facing the make up mirror and at the stage door. Seeing many serious faces on the audience when the camera faced the auditorium showed discomfort.
The songs were non memberable.
More voice coaching is required to copy American speaking and singing as English English was often heard.
Another distraction was the dead lady as a ghost.
Colin, 29 Mar 2024
Not the best, not the worst
I liked the show as it was different, but hard to follow due to story being said in songs and you couldn’t understand the words in the songs. However very clever and skilled actors to play in a play. I enjoyed it and glad I saw it but wouldn’t go see it again ir recommend it to others.
denise, 24 Mar 2024
Great showcase for SheridanSmith’s talents in performance !
Multi media play , with a captivating peek back scene of the acting scene . Miss Smith plays a a hard bitten but damaged New Yorker brilliantly and is surrounded by a cast well chosen . Music was appropriate and songs relevant to the storyline .
Eunice, 21 Mar 2024
Confused
Great acting strange confused plot, I think Sheridan may have regrets about 21 weeks of her life on a show that people disappear during the performance, we would never do that the acting was great !!!
