Sheridan Smith was met with rapturous applause as she took her final bow at the press night for the psychological comedy Woman In Mind on Tuesday. The celebrated actress, 44, appeared overjoyed as she acknowledged the standing ovation at London's Duke of York's Theatre.
A Star-Studded Opening Night
Smith, who stars as the central character Susan, a housewife whose reality fractures after a head injury, looked radiant during the curtain call. She walked the stage barefoot, flashing a huge smile in a white floral dress that showed off her arm tattoos, visibly moved by the warm reception for the West End production.
The evening also marked a significant milestone for comedian Romesh Ranganathan, who made his highly anticipated West End debut in the role of Susan's psychiatrist, Bill Windsor. Following the performance, the lead actors celebrated at an exclusive after-party held at The Londoner Hotel, posing for cheerful photos together.
Celebrity Guests and Tour Details
The press night attracted a host of famous faces from the entertainment world. Among the attendees were Happy Valley star James Norton, who cut a smart casual figure, and comedians Frankie Skinner and Paul Whitehouse, who braved the chilly London evening. Actors Ross Boatman and Stephen Mangan were also spotted amongst the crowd.
The play's revival, directed by Michael Longhurst, explores the blurring lines between Susan's mundane existence and her imagined perfect family. The supporting cast features Louise Brealey, Tim McMullan, and Sule Rimi, amongst others.
The West End run at the Duke of York's Theatre is currently underway and will continue until the end of February 2025. After its London stint, the production will embark on a UK tour, visiting the Sunderland Empire from March 4-7 and the Theatre Royal in Glasgow from March 10-14.
Emotional Parallels with Real-Life Role
The press night comes shortly after Sheridan Smith's deeply emotional involvement in another project, the ITV drama I Fought The Law. In the series, she portrays real-life campaigner Ann Ming, who fought to change the Double Jeopardy law to bring her daughter's murderer to justice.
Smith was visibly moved during a recent This Morning interview with Ann, who praised the actress's performance, stating she couldn't imagine anyone else in the role. Smith's powerful portrayal in both projects underscores her remarkable range and emotional depth as a performer.
As the curtain rises on this compelling revival of Woman In Mind, theatregoers in London and beyond can anticipate a thought-provoking and brilliantly performed exploration of the human psyche.
