Opening Night

musical

Based on the legendary 1977 film by John Cassavetes, OPENING NIGHT is now playing at the Gielgud Theatre for a limited run in 2024!

BAFTA and two-time Olivier® award-winner Sheridan Smith (Shirley Valentine) returns to stage in the world premiere of new musical OPENING NIGHT. Sheridan delivers a performance like never before in this musical about a theatre company barrelling towards their big opening night.

This production features music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright, one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation. Book and direction are by Tony and Olivier award-winner Ivo van Hove (A Little Life).

Starring alongside Sheridan Smith as Myrtle are Hadley Fraser (Les Miserables) as Manny, Shira Haas (Unorthodox) as Nancy, Nicola Hughes (Fosse) as Sarah, Amy Lennox (Cabaret) as Dorothy and John Marquez (Pygmalion) as David.

Joining them will be Benjamin Walker, Rebecca Thornhill, Cilla Silvia, Ian McLarnon and Jos Slovick. Robert Finlayson, Daniel Forrester, Jennifer Hepburn, Issy Khogali and Chrissie Perkins complete the cast.

Book your OPENING NIGHT musical theatre tickets with LOVEtheatre today!

What is Opening Night about?

Opening Night follows a theatre company’s preparations to stage a major new play on Broadway. When tragedy strikes their leading lady, drama ignites behind the scenes. The action centres around world-famous actress Myrtle Gordon who, while struggling with her starring role, is plunged into turmoil when she witnesses a fan being fatally hit by a car. Deeply affected by the incident, the cast and crew rally around Myrtle as she battles her inner demons, confronts her past, and contemplates her future.

Ticket Information

Tickets available for performances from 6 Mar – 18 May 2024. Evening performances run Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm. Matinee shows are on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Running Time

2hrs 25mins (incl. interval)

Cast & Creatives

Rufus Wainwright (Music & Lyrics), Ivo Van Hove (Director)

Sheridan Smith (Myrtle). Hadley Fraser (Manny). Shira Haas (Nancy). Nicola Hughes (Sarah). Amy Lennox (Dorothy). John Marquez (David). Benjamin Walker (Maurice). Rebecca Thornhill (Kelly). Cilla Silvia (Carla). Ian McLarnon (Leo). Jos Slovick (Gus).

Robert Finlayson, Daniel Forrester, Jennifer Hepburn, Issy Khogali and Chrissie Perkins.

Photo Credit: Jan Versweyveld

Save up to 42%

Booking Period

6 Mar - 18 May 2024

Weekly Performances

Monday 7:30PM
Tuesday 7:30PM
Wednesday 2:30PM, 7:30PM
Thursday 7:30PM
Friday 7:30PM
Saturday 2:30PM, 7:30PM

For group bookings of 10 or more:
Submit a request online

Or call 020 7206 1176

Venue Information

Gielgud Theatre

Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London W1D 6AR

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Nearest Tube/Rail Station

Piccadilly Circus

Buses

14, 19, 22B, 38, 53, 88, 94, 159

Nearest Car Parks

Wardour Street, Newport Place, Denman Street, Lexington Street and Poland Street

Reviews

The Guardian

'Captivating. Sheridan Smith shakes up musical theatre.'

Daily Mail

'Sheridan Smith is unstoppable - I was simply in awe of her. Extraordinary.'

Time Out

'Sheridan Smith is superb. There is truly nothing else like it.'

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