What a trooper! Sheridan Smith has returned to FUNNY GIRL, and will continue until the end of the run, with her heroic understudy Natasha Barnes now continuing to alternate as Fanny Brice on Monday evening and other performances. Two-for-one #StageFaves...
After a two-month absence, Sheridan Smith has returned to FUNNY GIRL at the West End’s Savoy Theatre tonight (Friday 8 July 2016). Due to “stress and exhaustion”, Smith was officially announced as taking a leave of absence, which was meant to be two to four weeks, on 12 May after having already missed several performances. FUNNY GIRL is booking at the West End’s Savoy Theatre until 8 October 2016.
In a statement issued tonight, producers Sonia Friedman, David Babani and Scott Landis explained the planned schedule for Smith’s phased return:
“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.”
