Sheridan Smith’s under-fire West End play, Opening Night, has hit another snag as ticket prices have been slashed in a desperate attempt to draw in audiences. The production has even resorted to a seat-filling service to try and fill the empty seats.
Originally scheduled to run until July 27, the play will now close on May 18 due to disappointing reviews and poor ticket sales. Audience members have reportedly been falling asleep and walking out during performances, with one person even being woken up by Sheridan’s singing.
Tickets for the final two weeks of the show can now be purchased for just £15, a significant drop from the original prices of £106 for Band A seats and £88 for Band B seats. Producers Wessex Grove have acknowledged the challenges faced by the production but remain proud of the risk they took in bringing the show to the West End.
Despite the struggles of Opening Night, Sheridan Smith remains undeterred. She is set to take on the role of Ann Ming in a new ITV drama based on Ann’s book, For The Love Of Julie. The story follows Ann’s fight for justice for her daughter, Julie Hogg, who was murdered by her former partner in 1989.
Ann campaigned tirelessly to change the double jeopardy law, which prevented people from being tried twice for the same crime. Her efforts eventually led to Julie’s killer being convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Sheridan has promised to do justice to Ann and Julie’s story in the upcoming drama.
As Opening Night faces its premature end, Sheridan Smith is already looking ahead to her next role, ready to tackle another challenging and emotional story on screen.