The production based on the famous book Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding which was made into a hit Oscar nominated film was due to go into rehearsals in August and open at the Savoy Theatre in late September or early October if the producers could sign of on a deal to secure the theatre.
Sheridan and her representatives said she did not want to commit to a long run that would take her away from what is clearly becoming a burgeoning film and television acting career. She has recently made the film Quartet directed by Dustin Hoffman who raved about her.
This has obviously caused huge problems at this late date after years of developing the project with an A-list creative team that case includes Stephen Daldry, Helen Fielding, top choreographer Peter Darling, Lily Allen, Julian Webber (Daldry’s associate on the Billy Elliot musical) and producers from Working Title.
One furious creative connected with the show described it as ‘an act of pure selfishness’. ‘The girl ain’t a movie star —give me a break!’
‘The show will survive because it’s in excellent shape,’ one insider insisted. ‘A great actress is required to play Bridget and whether that great actress is Sheridan Smith or someone else we’ll have to see. The person in that role does not have to be a star.’
Sheridan’s departure is being termed a ‘scheduling’ problem and a failure to agree. Currently the show is being held back to early next year.
Sheridan Smith's star has been on the rise after going from being in TV shows, The Royle Family, Holby City, The Lenny Henry Show and Gavin & Stacey to winning an Olivier Award for her star turn role in Legally Blonde and showing her dramatic abilities as a Cockney barmaid in Trevor Nunn's production of Flare Path last year at the Theatre Royal Haymarket winning her another nomination at the Olivier Awards this year in the Best Supporting Actress category.
We will keep you posted!
The final curtain has just gone down on Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre and will see Danny De Vito and Richard Griffiths take to the stage in The Sunshine Boys from 27th April to 28th July.
Book The Sunshine Boys tickets online now.
[posted by Louise, 11/04/2012]