Sheridan Smith will be back in cinemas across the UK later this year. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, one of her most praised acting roles will also be re-released on the big screen.
The musical comedy Funny Girl was a hit with critics when it premiered at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory in 2015. It then moved to the Savoy Theatre in the West End in 2016 and continued with a tour across the UK.
Lea Michele, known for her role in Glee, played Fanny Brice, a part famously originated by Barbra Streisand. Streisand first performed the role on Broadway in 1964, then in London in 1966, and later starred as Fanny in the 1968 film adaptation.
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The story charts Brice’s rise to fame, starting with her early performances in New York vaudeville and culminating in her success as a Broadway legend. It includes memorable songs like ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’ and ‘People’.
A filmed version of Smith’s production will be shown in cinemas across the country starting April 30th, according to WhatsOnStage. Liberator Film Services announced on Instagram that the performance was recorded at the Manchester Opera House on the last night of its tour in February 2017.
The show, featuring the late Darius Campbell Danesh, was well-received by critics. The Guardian praised Smith’s performance, calling it “never less than astonishing” in a review that gave the show four stars.
According to The Arts Desk, while Fanny’s performance is big and energetic, Smith still connects with the audience on a personal level. This genuine warmth helps the show overcome its weaker moments, and her performance is so strong it nearly elevates a good musical into a truly great one.
In a glowing review, London Theatre praised Smith’s performance, calling it extraordinary, honest, and powerfully moving. They highlighted her incredible renditions of ‘People’ and ‘Don’t Rain on My Parade,’ both well-known songs made famous by Barbra Streisand, noting she achieved something remarkable with them.
Currently appearing on the West End stage in Woman In Mind with Romesh Ranganathan, Smith also has a new, suspenseful TV drama called The Cage coming soon.
This new series, from the creators of The Responder, centers on Leanne (Smith) and Matty (Michael Socha), who both secretly plan to rob the casino where they’re employed. When they discover each other’s plans, it sets them against the police, their criminal bosses, and ultimately, each other.
She’s also starring in the new movie Girl Group alongside Rebel Wilson, a film about a singer left out of her former band’s reunion tour. The movie also includes appearances by Ashley Roberts from the Pussycat Dolls, Mel C from the Spice Girls, and Shaznay Lewis of All Saints, and is directed by Rebel Wilson.
Funny Girl is in select UK and Ireland cinemas from 30 April.
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2026-02-21 01:49