Sheridan Smith's failed musical Opening Night 'hires seat-filler agency' ahead ... trends now
Sheridan Smith's ill-fated play Opening Night has reportedly turned to seat filler agencies after slashing prices ahead of its early closure.
The actress' West End comeback has been fraught with difficulties including poor reviews and bad turnouts.
As a result, the musical was cancelled and will end two months earlier than originally planned.
Opening Night tells the story of functioning alcoholic actress Myrtle Gordon (Sheridan) who gets a second chance - it is based on the 1977 drama film starring Gena Rowlands.
Though the show is already doomed, The Sun has reported that owners are still trying to save face, and have hired extras to fill out the audience.
Sheridan Smith's, 42, ill-fated play Opening Night has reportedly turned to seat filler agencies after slashing prices ahead of its early closure
The actress' West End comeback has been fraught with difficulties including poor reviews and bad turnouts (pictured in character as Myrtle Gordon at the Gielgud Theatre)
However, it is not all bad news for Olivier Award-winner Sheridan, 42, as she has landed the lead role of a new ITV drama.
Sheridan has said she is 'honoured' to receive the role in the gritty new drama, announced soon after the play she made her West End comeback was axed two months early.
The actress will portray Ann Ming, the mother who battled to change the law after her daughter Julie Hogg was murdered by her ex-partner in 1989.
The drama, scheduled to begin later this year, will be based on Ann's book, For The Love Of Julie.
After fighting for 15 years, Ann succeeded in changing the 800-year-old double jeopardy law, which meant people couldn't be tried twice for the same crime.
Speaking about the new role, Sheridan said: 'I am so honoured to have been asked to play the role of Ann Ming, a mother so determined to fight for justice for her murdered daughter that she spent 15 years campaigning for the Double Jeopardy Law to be changed.'
She added: 'She is a truly courageous and remarkable woman to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude'
Ann Ming, who will act as consultant throughout the production process, said she is 'overwhelmed that Sheridan' will be playing her.
Sheridan has said she is 'honoured' to play the leading role in a gritty new drama after it was announced the play she made her West End comeback in has been axed two months early
