Back in 2015, the Menier Chocolate Factory put on the first full-scale revival of Funny Girl. The three-month run sold out in a day and the critics loved it. The show quickly transferred to the Savoy Theatre in April 2016 before going on a UK tour taking its star cast with it. Despite a short extension, many fans were unable to see the leading lady Sheridan Smith in the starring role of Fanny Brice due to a short run and extenuating circumstances. But now, all those disappointed souls will be able to fulfil the wish of seeing this incredible production as Funny Girl will be screened in cinemas on 24 October.
The broadcast can be seen at dozens of cinemas around London and nationwide. Michael Mayer’s production was filmed during the final week of its run at the Manchester Palace Theatre by Digital Theatre and will be released in cinemas by Trafalgar Releasing.
Funny Girl tells the semi-biographical story of Fanny Brice – the Broadway star, film actress and comedienne. It focuses on her career and the stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein. The role was made famous by Barbara Streisand who played Fanny on Broadway and in the 1968 film adaptation.
In addition to Sheridan, this production stars Darius Campbell as Nick Arnstein, Nigel Barber as Florenz Ziegfeld, Zoë Ann Bown as Mrs Meeker, Martin Callaghan as Mr Keeney, Jennifer Harding as Emma, Rachel Izen as Mrs Brice, Joshua Lay as Eddie, and Myra Sands (Mrs. Strakosh).
About the upcoming screenings, Sheridan has said: “Fanny Brice was an extraordinary woman who broke the mould for female entertainment, not only that, she was a brilliant comic! Her lack of vanity and her goofiness made her unique and very special, and the role was an utter joy to play. I’m beyond excited to be able to share our production of Funny Girl with audiences across the UK.”
Find out where Funny Girl will be screened on 24 October, here.