Sheridan Smith puts West End show cancellation behind her as she beams in risque see-through gown at Olivier Awards
SHERIDAN Smith put her West End show’s cancellation behind her as she beamed in a risque see-through gown at the Olivier Awards.
It was revealed on Thursday that the star’s troubled play – Opening Night – was having its run cut short.
The show, which is on at the Gielgud Theatre, will now end on May 20, two months earlier than its original scheduled finish date of July 27.
However, Sheridan brushed off what was likely to have been disappointing news about the show to wow onlookers at the prestigious awards ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Sunday evening.
The 42-year-old – who is nominated in the Best Actress category for her role in Shirley Valentine – showed off her figure in a black sheer gown which was covered in shimmering gems.
It featured a silver encrusted neckline and Sheridan wore a black boob-tube and high waisted knickers underneath and pulled her dark hair back into a messy up do.
The actress’ heavily tattooed arm and thigh were visible through the sheer fabric and she wore sky-high black platform heels and carried a funky silver lip shaped bag to complete her look.
Announcing the news about the show’s shortened run, producers Wessex Grove said on Thursday: “It is an honour 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.”
Sheridan wasn’t the only familiar face pulling out all the stops at the annual awards ceremony.
Nicole Scherzinger – who wowed audiences with her role in Sunset Boulevard – looked sensational in a plunging black gown alongside fiance Thom Evans.
Meanwhile Hannah Waddingham – who is hosting this year’s awards – looked gorgeous in a shimmering one-shoulder lilac gown.
Also bringing a splash of colour was supermodel and actress Cara Delevingne, who opted for a sequin gown which featured a square blue bodice with black strands criss-crossing across the front and a red skirt.
Elsewhere, Gavin and Stacey‘s Ruth Jones looked beautiful in a teal green gown – and worlds away from her famous character Nessa – as she posed with her Sister Act co-stars Beverley Knight and Lesley Joseph.
