Sheridan Smith is to return to the West End early next year starring in the new musical Opening Night which is based on John Cassavetes’ 1977 film which follows a theatre company's preparations to stage a major new play on Broadway. But drama ignites behind the scenes when their leading lady: an alcoholic actress who is concerned about aging and haunted by the ghost of one of her deceased fans which forces everybody to deliver the performance of their lives. Joining Sheridan as Myrtle will be Hadley Fraser as Manny, Shira Haas as Nancy, Nicola Hughes as Sarah, Amy Lennox as Dorothy and John Marquez as David.with Benjamin Walker/Maurice, Rebecca Thornhill/Kelly, Cilla Silvia/Carla, Ian McLarnon/Leo and Jos Slovick as Gus. The cast is completed by Robert Finlayson, Daniel Forrester, Jennifer Hepburn, Issy Khogali and Chrissie Perkins The show will run at the Gielgud Theatre from 6 March until 18 May 2024.

Ivo van Hove (A Little Life), who directed a non-musical version of the show for Dutch theatre company Toneelgroep Amsterdam in 2006, returns to direct  this production.

Songwriter Rufus Wainwright is writing  new tunes for the show.

OPENING NIGHT has a Book by Ivo van Hove with Music and Lyrics by Rufus Wainwright. It is Directed and conceived by Ivo van Hove, has Set, Lighting and Video Design by Jan Versweyveld, Costume Design by An D’Huys and Sound Design by Tom Gibbons and Alex Twiselton. Orchestrations are by Rufus Wainwright, with Musical Supervision and Musical Direction by Nigel Lilley. Movement and Choreography is by Polly Bennett, Casting by Julia Horan CDG and the Associate Director is Daniel Raggett.

OPENING NIGHT will run at the Gielgud Theatre from 6 March until 18 May 2024

THIS PRODUCTION ENDED ITS RUN ON 18TH MAY 2024

	Tube : Piccadilly Circus (250m) & Charing Cross (550m) Train: Charing Cross ( 550m)
	14, 19, 38
	NCPs at Wardour St, Newport Place, Denman St, Lexington St - 2 spaces for blue badge holders in Archer Street. MasterPark at Poland Street and China Town

 

	Hearing-Impaired infra-red system in the auditorium and induction loop at Box Office. Infra-red system with 14 headsets. The best reception is in the front area of all levels of the auditorium. Induction loop at the Box Office
	Guide dogs are permitted inside the auditorium
	Entrance to the auditorium is through the third side exit door on Rupert Street. Ask a member of staff to open this for you. One 12cm step up to the front of the Dress Circle. Venue suitable for scooters. Seats B5 and 30 can be removed to provide 2 spaces for wheelchair users
	Adapted toilet in foyer near the bar