The doomed play Opening Night, which premiered on March 6 at the Gielgud Theatre, was due to wrap up on July 27, but will now close on May 18. The show, which stars Sheridan Smith, has been replaced by 2:22 A Ghost Story, which will feature Strictly Come Dancing star Stacey Dooley in her West End debut. The replacement play will run for two months less than planned.
Opening Night, which was in danger of being pulled early after sending audiences to sleep, will now end two months earlier than planned. It has been revealed that 2:22 A Ghost Story will now run instead. Stacey Dooley will take on the role of Jenny in the show. She said: “I’m so delighted to be involved in the next adaptation of 2:22.”
2:22 A Ghost Story premiered in 2020 at the Noel Coward Theatre. The likes of Lily Allen, Giovanna Fletcher, Laura Whitmore, and Cheryl have taken part in the show. It comes after fans fell asleep at Sheridan’s show and others blasted “I don’t get it” before 20 people walked out.
The MailOnline reported that one person was seen nodding off before being woken by Sheridan’s loud singing. One person told the publication: “It was terrible. This is the first time I’ve walked out from a West End play. It was just very confusing- none of us got what they were trying to do.”
Producers Wessex Grove confirmed the show’s future in a statement, saying: “It is an honor to produce this beautiful new musical in the West End, and everyone at Wessex Grove is proud to have delivered the artistic vision of Ivo Van Hove and Rufus Wainwright and their incredible team, led by the exquisite Sheridan Smith.”
“In a challenging financial landscape, Opening Night was always a risk and, while the production may not have had the life we had hoped for, we feel immensely proud of the risk we took and of this extraordinary production.”
“Our world-class cast delivers a brilliant show night after night, and there are still five weeks left to see Sheridan Smith in the role of a lifetime.”
“What is sure-fire and safe has its place. But Wessex Grove exists to produce great artists in the West End and to provide the space for original, artist-led productions in the commercial sector, productions exactly like Opening Night.”
“We’re grateful for all of the support everyone has given us as we made this show, and look forward to celebrating the rest of the run.”
