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Opening Night Tickets

Gielgud Theatre

Olivier Award winner Sheridan Smith is back on stage in this world premiere new musical, created by Rufus Wainwright and Ivo van Hove.

Opening Night Tickets Starring Sheridan Smith On Sale Now

See the incomparable Sheridan Smith back on stage in a world premiere production of new musical Opening Night at the Gielgud Theatre. With songs from Rufus Wainwright and direction from the incredible Ivo van Hove (A Little Life), this rich, complex and gripping new show, based on John Cassavetes’ film, is one of the biggest openings of 2024.

About the Opening Night Musical

Hugely talented but troubled actress Myrtle Gordon is the star of a brand new Broadway play, The Second Woman. However, as the company prepares for the opening night, drama ignites behind the scenes. Their leading lady is haunted by a tragedy that threatens to spill out onto the stage, and everyone involved must put on the performance of their lives…

Sheridan Smith in Opening Night

BAFTA and Olivier Award-winning stage and screen actress Sheridan Smith stars in this world premiere musical as Myrtle Gordon. Smith was last on stage in the hugely acclaimed one-woman show Shirley Valentine, and has proven her versatility in The Royle Family, Gavin & Stacey, and musicals Funny Girl and Cilla. Whether she is playing a troubled star, a legendary light entertainment presenter, or a put-upon wife, Smith is one of the most magnetic and charming performers in the UK and a must-see on stage.

Creative Team

Based on John Cassavetes’ legendary 1970s film, Opening Night is brought to the stage by a trio of incredible creatives - Smith, singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, and Olivier and Tony Award-winning director Ivo van Hove, who has dominated the West End with his unflinching, bold productions of A Little Life, All About Eve and A View from the Bridge.

Van Hove has previously worked with actresses including Gillian Anderson, Lily James and Ruth Wilson, and adapted classic films from Ingmar Bergman, John Cassavetes and Luchino Visconti for the stage. This latest collaboration with Sheridan Smith brings the best of modern theatre talent to London and it is an event that you will not want to miss.

Don’t Miss Tickets for Opening Night at the Gielgud Theatre

One of the greatest living musical theatre actresses is set to deliver a stand-out performance in this thrilling new musical. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Opening Night during its strictly limited world premiere season in the West End this year!

Sorry this show closed 18 May 2024, we recommend these similar productions.

Guys and Dolls
Fawlty Towers
Performance dates:
26 Jul 2024 - 18 May 2024
Running time:
2 hours and 25 minutes including an interval.
Age recommendation:
Best for age 14+. Under 3s not permitted.
Audience Notes:
The appearance of any performer cannot be guaranteed and is always subject to illness, injury and statutory holiday entitlement.

Opening Night Reviews

2.9
291 Reviews
  • 5 Stars9%
  • 4 Stars25%
  • 3 Stars27%
  • 2 Stars20%
  • 1 Stars19%

User Reviews

Verified

I don't really understand the controversy about this show. The couple in front of me on Row A left at half-time, as did the three ladies next to me. No idea why. It's experimental, and maybe the video stuff was done better in Sunset Boulevard, and Read more

Performance date: 26 April 2024
Verified

Such a shame this show didn't really find its audience - it would've felt more at home at the National, or Barbican. Really wonderful performances, especially from Sheridan Smith, Benjamin Walker, Hadley Fraser and Nicola Hughes in a fascinating atte Read more

Performance date: 18 May 2024
Verified

Don’t know why the crictics mauled it. Such a shame that’s caused it to lose audiences and close early. Music and onstage band are great. Performances and singing spot on from all the cast. Don’t know how they kept the energy up considering it was th Read more

Performance date: 13 May 2024
1/97
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