Will Sheridan Smith's big return turn into a nightmare? Star faces fight to save troubled West End play 'Opening Night' as cast are 'warned not to expect extra dates' after walkouts and audience 'falling asleep in chairs'

The cast of Sheridan Smith's disastrous West End musical have been 'warned not to expect extra dates' following walkouts and claims members of the audience have fallen asleep in their chairs. 

Despite Sheridan Smith having received praise for her role in Opening Nights. The musical has received criticism for its poor plot and questionable staging. 

Currently, the play is expected to run until July at the Gielgud Theatre. However, having been warned the play might not receive any extra dates the cast could now also face the play ending earlier. 

This follows claims from an insider that the show's investor have discussed potentially ending the show early. 

A source told The Sun: 'Sheridan has been a resounding success but the show itself has been far from it. To say it's been polarising is an understatement.

'Reports of theatre goers walking out at the interval have really worried some of the investors.

'No official meeting has been held yet, but a number of them have spoken about how they would go about serving notice on the theatre and cutting the run of shows short.

The source continues: 'Sheridan is a saving grace for Opening Night because of how good she is on stage, but even her star power can't get the crowds in.'

Tickets have already been slashed for the show and are being sold on London Theatre with a 36% discount with prices starting from £25, ShowFilmFirst are also selling them for the same price.

Previously, front row tickets would have set attendees back £176 but can now be purchased for £110.  

Speaking to Scott Mills on Radio 2 on Tuesday, Ms Smith begged listeners to purchase tickets to the play. 

Reporters who attended Opening Night at the Gielgud Theatre saw at least 50 audience members leave during the interval on two separate evenings last week. Staff at the theatre confirmed it was a regular occurrence.

And while some critics have praised the avant-garde show as 'extraordinary', dozens of nonplussed ticket holders have been voting with their feet and walking out midway through – or even before the interval.

Opening Night based on the namesake 1977 film about the actress who is left traumatised by the death of a teenage fan. The play follows actress Myrtle Gordon, played by Ms Smith, who is reliant on booze as she rehearses for the opening night of a show alongside her ex. 

Canadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright wrote the music for the production. 

As a part of the promotion for the play, Ms Smith was spotted stumbling in the street outside the Gielgud Theatre where she gave a street performance as the alcoholic actress Myrtle Gordon. 

MailOnline has approached Ms Smith's agent for a comment.