Sheridan Smith was dressed in a casual, relatable outfit as Shirley Valentine

Clad in a baggy pink tee and a pair of blue denim shorts, barefooted Sheridan Smith channelled middle-aged housewife Shirley Valentine, while holding son Billy in her arms. 

Sheridan Smith’s electrifying performance as Shirley Valentine has attracted a host of famous faces, including Amanda Holden, since it launched last month.

Amanda and her mum were among those in the audience on press night when fans gave the star a token of their appreciation by hosting a standing ovation.

Tearful Sheridan, 41, clasped her son Billy, who turns two this spring, tightly in her arms as she soaked up the applause.

Her son seemed to be equally emotional as he stretched out an arm and waved to the crowds in his little Toy Story onesie, before planting a kiss on his mum’s cheek.

Sheridan, who first hit mainstream attention as Janet Keogh on Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, has enjoyed decades of success in the industry before reaching this moment – and she was visibly moved by the love from the audience.

Sheridan Smith has been hugely popular as Shirley Valentine

Not only has the theatrical performance gained rave reviews, but it has already broken records by receiving over £4 million in revenue from advance bookings. The show, which runs until June at London’s Duke of York Theatre, is expected to continue soaring in popularity, as audiences express their delight.

Sheridan Smith is not just the main character, but the only one

After two weeks of previews, Sheridan Smith’s show has now officially opened

Sheridan Smith took to Twitter today to thank everyone working with her on making the show a success, exclaiming “Every single person has made it a joy!”

Amanda Holden was among those in the audience at press night

Amanda Holden opted for a cleavage-baring dress with cut-outs at the waist and bust as she stepped out for a night on the town with mum Judith, who was equally excited at the prospect of seeing Sheridan Smith onstage. 

Sheridan Smith has had a glittering TV and theatre career over the years

After a brief stint in The Royle Family, in which Ralf Little also appeared, Sheridan Smith then joined her co-star in Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps. Despite being at a very different life stage now than when she first began in the show in 2001, for many fans, she is every bit as recognisable today as she was all those years earlier.

Source: Read Full Article