Sheridan Smith is back on stage takes on Barbra Streisand’s iconic role of Fanny Brice at the Menier Chocolate Factory. But what have critics made of Funny Girl?
The Daily Telegraph: **** Dominic Cavendish said: “Smith has impeccable sense of comic timing.”
Evening Standard:**** Henry Hitchings felt that: “even if the musical itself doesn’t strike me as a classic, Smith understands how to sell every number she’s involved in.”
The Independent: ***** Paul Taylor described it as: “Michael Mayer’s exhilarating embrace of a production.”
The Daily Mail: **** Quentin Letts said: “The staging could be more adventurous but it tells the story efficiently.”
The Guardian: **** Michael Billington commented: “Michael Mayer’s production and Michael Pavelka’s design exhibit real class.”
The Stage: **** Paul Vale said: “The Legally Blonde and Cilla star is an instinctive comedy actor with the sensitivity and emotional range to pull off the story of this feted comedienne with the tragic private life.”
Whatsonstage: **** Michael Coveney commented: “Mayer’s production makes a small show look big.”
London Theatre: *** Dom O’Hanlon said: “What remains a shame is that the success in ticket sales and hype has not been reflected in this initial production.”
West End Wilma: ***** “There is something in this show to please just about anyone and Sheridan Smith gives a career defining performance. One not to miss!”
Jonathan Baz: ***** “Smith is arguably unsurpassed amongst her peers, offering a performance that defines a perfection in voice (and wow, that belt) combined with an innate ability to act through song, dialogue and sheer presence.”
Gay Times: ***** William J Connolly: “All, as soon quickly becomes the expected with this production, perfectly cast with delightful acting and vocal ability.”
West End Frame: ***** Andrew Tomlins: “as long as you approach Funny Girl with a fresh pair of eyes you are in for a treat. I fell in love with Sheridan Smith all over again, she carries the piece and is an absolute dream.”
Funny Girl is at the Menier Chocolate Factory until the 5th March 2016, before transferring to the Savoy Theatre from the 8th April until 10th September. Tickets for the Menier Chocolate Theatre are sold out but to buy tickets for the Savoy Theatre run visit: Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk , Discount Theatre.com , ATG Tickets , Love Theatre.com , Ticketmaster.co.uk.