Sheridan Smith has returned to work on ‘Funny Girl’ after she was signed off for stress.
The acclaimed actress took eight weeks off from the West End show but a message on their twitter account has confirmed she took to the stage on Thursday (07.07.16) to the delight of producers.
Sonia Friedman, David Babani and Scott Landis said in a statement: "We are delighted to welcome Sheridan Smith back to Funny Girl this evening.
"It is currently planned that Sheridan will also play this Saturday evening (not matinee), and Monday to Saturday next week (excluding the Wednesday matinee and Thursday evening performances at which Natasha J Barnes will perform)."
During her break from the show, Sheridan spent time at country retreats and with her dad Colin, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
The star was forced to cancel performances back in March when her family were told of Colin’s illness.
Last month, meanwhile, Sheridan’s understudy Natasha Barnes admitted she was missing her friend since she took a break from ‘Funny Girl’.
Although Natasha is proud to have the trust of the production team, her concern for Sheridan took the gloss off her achievement.
Natasha said: "This is absolutely the pinnacle of my career. Because for eight years I’ve been losing out to people who had bigger profiles than me and to be here now, and getting standing ovations is amazing.
"But because Sheridan’s a friend and we’re a family, it’s never going to feel whole without her here. When I’m on stage, I don’t have time to consider it but backstage before and after the show there is this absence. I miss her and worry about her and I hope that she’s alright."
Sheridan Smith returns to work on Funny Girl
