In the world premiere of this stage musical version of John Cassavetes’s 1977 film, director and book writer Ivo van Hove has taken onstage camerawork to a whole other level with a fictional documentary crew constantly accompanying the ‘play-within-a-play’ cast.

Will the production turn out to be something of a marmite show with audiences? Time will tell. But one thing is for sure: Sheridan Smith pours her heart and soul into the central role of much-loved actress Myrtle, struggling to cope with both personal and professional demons on the eve of an opening night on Broadway.

Sheridan Smith (Myrtle), Nicola Hughes (Sarah), John Marquez (David) and Company

Hadley Fraser (Manny), Amy Lennox (Dorothee), Nicola Hughes (Sarah), Benjamin Walker (Maurice), John Marquez (David) and Company

Benjamin Walker (Maurice) and Sheridan Smith (Myrtle)

Hadley Fraser (Manny), Jos Slovick (Gus), Benjamin Walker (Maurice), Cilla Silvia (Carla) and Company

Sheridan Smith (Myrtle), Shira Haas (Nancy) and Nicola Hughes (Sarah)

Production Credits

Opening Night
Gielgud Theatre, London 26 March 2024
Starring Sheridan Smith, Hadley Fraser, Shira Haas, Nicola Hughes, Amy Lennox, John Marquez, and Benjamin Walker et al

Opening Night is scheduled to run until 27 July 2024– for tickets and more information visit openingnightmusical.com

You can read our full review in the June/July issue of Musicals magazine out 31 May – consider subscribing today!