Funny Girl UK

[BobNC]

I just found out that Sheridan Smith is out of Funny Girl until 7/11.  I have ticket for 7/4 ( heading to London to see Carole King at Hyde Park).  Has Natasha Barnes been getting good notices?  Will I be able to get a refund? If you've seen it, is the production still worth seeing?

[BrodyFosse123]

You most likely will get responses/answers posting this question on the West End Board.  

[Cupid Boy2]

Don't quote me on this, but I don't believe refunds are an option. I remember reading that the West End doesn't adhere to the same policies that Broadway does for actors receiving above-the-title treatment.  

[ggersten]

The actual date for Ms. Smith's return is still unknown.  The press release said something to the effect "not later than July 11".  You can try for a refund - but that likely will fail. Per the UK message board, Ms. Barnes has been receiving glowing reviews and a few days ago the Savoy Theatre put up her picture and notices leading to speculation that Ms. Smith would not return at all and Ms. Barnes would perform Fanny until the October closing.  You can read more over at http://theatreboard.co.uk/thread/2/funny-girl  You need not read all 117 pages (well 117 at the time I post this reply)

[imeldasturn]

1) Natasha is better than Sheridan, you can be sure of that

2) No, no refund.

3) It's an average production of an average musical, with or without Smith

[CindersGolightly]

Yeah, from what I've heard, Natasha is getting better notices than Sheridan.

[gypsy101]

wow, she's better? isn't Sheridan supposed to be a huge star over there in England?

[BobNC]

Thanks to all for the prompt replies.  Glad Ms. Barnes is getting good reviews.

 

[imeldasturn]

gypsy101 said: "wow, she's better? isn't Sheridan supposed to be a huge star over there in England?

"

Smith is a brilliant comedian and a warm actress, but not the strongest singer, she has never been able to sing the score like it should be sung.

[sparepart973]

gypsy101 said: "wow, she's better? isn't Sheridan supposed to be a huge star over there in England?

 

"

I saw her at the Chocolate Factory and was underwhelmed by every aspect of this production. It's dull, unattractive, and cheap looking. Sheridan Smith is not a great singer, doesn't have the right look or any shtick whatsoever to convince us she's a Jewish comedienne from the period. I thought she was reprising her role as Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, which was barely average. 

 

 

[QueenAlice]

Ms. Barnes seems to be getting positive notices, and she is definitely a more polished vocalist than Sher.  Ironically, a similar situation happened during the first London production of FUNNY GIRL with Streisand's understudy Lisa Shane.

From the web... 

Lisa had stood-in a few times for Barbra when she was ill and subsequently was asked to carry on in the part of Fanny Brice when Streisand fell pregnant and had to leave the show early in its run. Unfortunately the box office returns slumped and the show folded after only a few months leaving Lisa without the fame that the show had brought to her USA counterparts connected with the musical - Marilyn Michaels, Mimi Hines and Lainie Kazan.

Lisa did get to record her own EP of songs from the show though....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdAbI7JFNis

[P-E]

I didn't see Sheridan Smith - just a show with Natasha Barnes a few weeks ago.  So while I can't compare the two, Smith was absolutely fantastic.  I didn't love the show, but her performance was special.

[CATSNYrevival]

Does anyone know if Sheridan Smith already recorded the cast album? Is it "in the can?" It's supposed to be released in July in the UK and August in the US.

[imeldasturn]

Yes, it was probably recorded live (as far as I know)

[gypsy101]

I heard earlier today from a friend on Facebook (who is a producer for a cast recording company based in London) that he had heard through the grapevine that the album was not completed and she hadn't finished recording her vocals. so I guess we'll see if this recording comes to fruition after all.

[darquegk]

I loved her Elle Woods, personally- I listen to that album more than the original when I am in the pit for Legally Blonde and want to brush up.

[BobNC]

I saw "Funny Girl" on 7/4 and yet new Fanny took to the stage: Clare Rickard.  She was thrilling. Loved Michael Mayer's production of the show.  He even made those creaky old 'songs within the follies' numbers work.  Glad I hadn't demanded a refund. I almost did since she was an understudy to the understudy and I had been looking forward to seeing Ms. Barnes ( scheduled day off).

[Just_John]

I'm fortunate enough to have seen Smith and Barnes in the role. Smith was a revelation, who's talent and stage presence matched that of Patti, Audra and Angela. Barnes was great, but nowhere near as exceptional. 

 

Also, I saw pics on Instagram of Smith recording in a studio when I saw her in April .

[jayinchelsea]

Trying to plan my trip to London in early September, but am I now worrying about seeing the understudy to the understudy? I don't see any reason to wait until "no later than July 11" when this really is a crapshoot as to who will be playing Fanny. Calling Lainie Kazan!

[Just_John]

Get there an hour and a half before the box office opens and buy one of the front row day seats for £25. It's slightly partial view when theyre upstage, but offers a great view for the price and you can wait to see who's on.