Sheridan Smith Expected to Return to West End's FUNNY GIRL in July

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Sheridan Smith has taken a leave of absence from Funny Girl at the Savoy Theatre due to "stress and exhaustion."

Today, producers have announced that Smith is expected to return to the West End production in July, with Natasha J. Barnes continuing in the role of Fanny Brice. Barnes first took over for Smith at the end of May.

The full statement reads:

"It is, and always has been, Sheridan's and the producers' intention that she will return to Funny Girl, and any speculation to the contrary is entirely inaccurate and unhelpful. Sheridan's recovery from stress and exhaustion is the absolute priority. She is doing really well and is incredibly keen to return as soon as possible. Following medical advice, her return to the production will be slightly later than originally anticipated - no later than week commencing 11th July. Natasha J Barnes, who has played Fanny Brice in recent weeks to great critical and public acclaim, will continue in the role until Sheridan's return."

Smith was previously confirmed to take between two and four weeks away from the musical, and was expected to return this weekend. After no announcement, reports began to emerge that she might not return at all.

Barnes played the role for the completion of the run at the Menier Chocolate Factory - her performance receiving plaudits from audience members and critics alike.

FUNNY GIRL's transfer follows a sold-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, and the show is booking until October 8. Smith takes on Barbra Streisand's iconic role of Fanny Brice, the Brooklyn singer and comedienne who became a Broadway sensation under producer Florenz Ziegfeld. The cast also features Darius Campbell as Nicky Arnstein, Marilyn Cutts as Mrs Brice,Maurice Lane as Mr Keeney, Valda Aviks as Mrs Meeker, Gay Soper as Mrs Strakosh, Natasha J Barnes as Emma/Mrs Nadler, Bruce Montague as Florenz Ziegfeld, and Joel Montague as Eddie Ryan.

Michael Mayer directs a retooled version of the show, with Harvey Fierstein revising Isobel Lennart's book. Funny Girl features music from Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, with classic songs such as "People", 'I'm the Greatest Star" and "Don't Rain on My Parade".

Photo by Johan Persson