Sheridan Smith: the Truth About My Meltdown — and My West End Return

Sheridan Smith: The Truth About My Meltdown — And My West End Return

In an illuminating interview, actress Sheridan Smith delves into the recurring themes in her career and the personal struggles that have shaped her latest West End role. Smith, known for playing complex, often troubled characters, has returned to the London stage with “Woman in Mind,” a dark comedy by Alan Ayckbourn.

Recurring Themes and Personal Struggles

The actress acknowledges a thematic thread in her work: middle-aged women in crisis. Last year, she starred in “Opening Night,” a musical based on the 1977 film about a struggling actress. Despite critical acclaim, the show closed early due to poor ticket sales.

Smith’s return to the West End with “Woman in Mind” marks her second time tackling such a character.

This time, she plays Susan, a vicar’s wife who suffers a head injury and subsequently has a breakdown. The role is a blend of tragedy and comedy, reflecting Smith’s dual passions as an actress.

A Meltdown and Recovery

Behind the scenes, however, Smith faced her own personal challenges. After starring in “Funny Girl,” she experienced a public meltdown due to heavy drinking and medication misuse. The incident, which included missing multiple shows, led to hospitalization for seizures.

Smith now refers to it as her “meltdown.”

She describes the experience as a moment of double-grieving—her father’s terminal diagnosis and her brother Julian’s early death years earlier. While she still feels embarrassed about the incident, she believes that owning up to such experiences is cathartic.

Mental Health Support in Theatre

The industry has made progress since Smith’s time in “Funny Girl.” Longhurst, the director of “Woman in Mind,” highlights the availability of mental health support for actors. The production offers access to Applause for Thought, a company providing strategies and resources for coping with the pressure of performing multiple shows weekly.

Smith emphasizes that she takes full responsibility for her past actions but hopes such support could help others avoid similar situations.

Personal Life and Future Projects

Beyond the stage, Smith is a devoted mother to five-year-old Billy. She moved back to Epworth, near Doncaster, where she grew up, to be closer to her family. Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career, she finds joy in both.

Looking ahead, Smith has several projects lined up, including “The Cage,” a new drama by Tony Schumacher, and the film adaptation of “Girl Group.” While she avoids celebrity gossip roles like “The Celebrity Traitors,” she remains committed to complex, nuanced characters that resonate with her personal experiences.

Smith’s resilience and continued dedication to challenging roles demonstrate not only her talent but also her willingness to confront and overcome personal struggles. As she steps back onto the stage in “Woman in Mind,” audiences can expect a masterful performance from one of Britain’s most versatile actresses.