Hilarious moment stunned diners wonder whether they should help 'drunk' ... trends now By John James Published: 23:18 GMT, 7 March 2024 | Updated: 23:18 GMT, 7 March 2024 Viewcomments This is the moment diners, pub-goers and pedestrians were left stunned and wondering if they should help as a 'drunk' Sheridan Smith stumbled out of her own West End play and collapsed onto the street. The shocking scenes, which were seen by confused revellers on their phones, are part of Smith's new musical in which the star, 42, plays drunken Broadway legend Myrtle Gordon. Opening Night is based on John Cassavetes' 1977 film of the same name, and follows a theatre company's preparations to stage a new play, when their leading lady is rocked by tragedy. At one point in the show, Sheridan's character Myrtle falls drunkenly in the street, while the rest of the cast gather around her. Sheridan Smith stumbled out of her own West End play in a drunken stunt playing Myrtle Gordon Opening Night is based on John Cassavetes' 1977 film of the same name At one point in the show, Sheridan's character Myrtle falls drunkenly in the street, while the rest of the cast gather around her In footage captured by MailOnline, Sheridan can be seen scrabbling on the ground outside the Central London theatre whilst crowds are held away from the scene. Speaking exclusively to the MailOnline, one pedestrian named Mike said he had been stunned by the lack of response to Sheridan as he didn't know it was part of the performance. 'I can't believe this woman was just laying on the floor and nobody came to help her.' His boyfriend Jamie added: 'You call that art? That's not art!' In footage captured by MailOnline, Sheridan can be seen scrabbling on the ground outside the Central London theatre whilst crowds are held away from the scene The act left nearby pedestrians, some who were unaware that it was part of the show, stunned One passer-by commented how shocked he was at the lack of response from other people Pictured: Sheridan Smith playing Myrtle Gordon in the streets of the West End The moment is filmed live every night outside the theatre, for all passersby to see and the audience witnesses the action live via a video transmitted into the theatre. A member of the door staff from a nearby venue says that that the event conjures crowds every evening but that not everyone is aware the display is part of a performance. He said: 'It varies each night which stage door, but it's very strange as people are either unsure or going really mad for it.' Sheridan has told MailOnline that the drunken scene is improvised by her each night, and is so physically demanding she joked about needing to use shin pads. The moment is filmed live every night outside the theatre, for all passersby to see and the audience witnesses the action live via a video transmitted into the theatre A member of the door staff from a nearby venue says that that the event conjures crowds every evening but that not everyone is aware the display is part of a performance Sheridan can be seen with her microphone on her head playing Myrtle Gordon in the street Sheridan has told MailOnline that the drunken scene is improvised by her each night The double Olivier-winning star said: 'When I went home on Sunday I have to say, I woke up and I was aching everywhere and I was like my goodness, I'm getting older.' She added she loves the unpredictability of improvising, saying: 'It's fun and I love all of that, that's the excitement and why I want to be an actress.' But not everyone agrees the stunt is as polished. An owner of a nearby business, who preferred to stay anonymous, told the MailOnline: 'I saw a crowd a few days ago and wondered what was going on! 'It works for the show I suppose but I've heard it's not that good. People have apparently left halfway through!' LondonSheridan Smith Share or comment on this article: Hilarious moment stunned diners wonder whether they should help 'drunk' Sheridan Smith who stumbled out of her own West End play and collapsed onto the street All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility