After taking some time out due to stress and exhaustion, Sheridan Smith made a triumphant return to Funny Girl the musical last week. After a two month break the actress looked happier than ever as she greeted fans outside London's Savoy Theatre.
The 35-year-old has reprised the role of Fanny Brice, and took time to chat and take selfies with theatre-goers after performances, beaming with happiness.
© Photo: RexSheridan Smith chatted with fans after her return to Funny Girl
It was a far cry from her situation just a couple of months ago, when she was reportedly rushed to hospital after collapsing from the stress of her father's cancer diagnosis and a hectic workload.
Following the first show on Friday, fans took to Twitter to warmly welcome Sheridan back to the stage and praise her performance.
© Photo: RexThe actress looked happier than ever as she beamed for waiting photographers
Dominic Cavendish, the Telegraph's theatre critic, wrote: "If she's still tired and frayed, she showed not a jot of fatigue for two hours on Saturday night." He added that Sheridan was "greeted by protracted applause from the audience at the start and a standing ovation at the end – a tsunami of affection which she gamely took in her stride, beaming, and jabbing a thumbs-up in thanks."
Producers announced Sheridan's return on Friday, just hours before she took to the stage, and confirmed she will remain until the show's run ends in October.
They said: "From the week commencing 18 July, Sheridan is scheduled to perform Tuesday through Saturday, with Natasha J Barnes playing Fanny Brice on Monday evenings. This schedule is subject to change, but we look forward to continuing to entertain audiences at the Savoy Theatre until our run ends on 8 October."
