Cilla star Sheridan Smith makes her West End return to Funny Girl after time off for stress and exhaustion...
Sheridan Smith has returned to her leading role in West End show Funny Girl after time off for stress and exhaustion.
Concerns were raised as the Cilla actress, who took a leave of absence from her starring role in the musical in mid-May, showed no sign of returning.
Initially it was said the 35-year-old would need up to four weeks to recover, but it has been almost two months since the star took to the London stage.
In a statement on Friday evening, Funny Girl producers Sonia Friedman, David Babani and Scott Landis said: “We are delighted to welcome Sheridan Smith back to Funny Girl this evening.
“It is currently planned that Sheridan will also play this Saturday evening (not matinee), and Monday to Saturday next week (excluding the Wednesday matinee and Thursday evening performances at which Natasha J Barnes will perform).
“From the week commencing 18 July, Sheridan is scheduled to perform Tuesday through Saturday, with Natasha playing Fanny Brice on Monday evenings.
“This schedule is subject to change, but we look forward to continuing to entertain audiences at the Savoy Theatre until our run ends on 8 October.”
On May 12, Sheridan pulled out of the show after missing the three previous performances.
Fans and stars have welcomed Sheridan back, including actor David Walliams who tweeted:
Fans, too, welcome the star back with open arms:
Content provided by SNAP PA
