Melody2

I think Sheridan Smith did brilliantly well as the Olivier hostess! Great response from the audience for her opening number, with its excellent musical arrangement and choreography, and it was perfect as a warm-up before the extract from Cabaret. Sheridan looked absolutely stunning, and she and co-host Hugh Bonneville, looked like Hollywood stars! They did an excellent job of linking the proceedings, and totally justified being chosen as this year's hosts. There was an obvious, easy rapport between them, and they both showed a genuinely warm interest in each person they introduced. Both of these talented actors are loved and respected by their peers as well as by the public, so congratulations to them, and to the organisers for having the foresight to choose them as hosts.

Well said Mallardo,I totally agree with you. The Telegraph's Charles Spencer has got it absolutely right, as he praises this production, and in particular, Sheridan Smith. Parsley's entitled to his own apparently biased opinion, but it's not really credible, as it was formed after only watching the first half! Maybe he should go again to see what he missed! There are so many more excellent reviews appearing, written by experienced, well-respected theatre critics, who have 'seen it all'. They certainly know what they're talking about. ( The Stage, Time Out, London Evening Standard, The Times - 5 star!)

What nonsense Parsley is talking again! The theatre was packed tonight, Tuesday, and the cast received a standing ovation. I really don't think he understands Ibsen at all, and it is he who is out of his depth! Sheridan knows exactly how she wants to portray the complex emotions of Hedda, and she brings a fresh approach to the character, which enables us to more easily understand what's going on in Hedda's mind. I've seen many actresses play Hedda, and this is the first time I could actually 'get' her!  Excellent supporting cast too, so I don't know how Parsley can call them 'mediocre'. Entitled to his own opinion of course, but he needs to read the many positive reviews from appreciative members of the audience - such as The Other Bridge Project - Hedda review, and Revstan - Hedda review.(Google them)

Yes, Mallardo, I too, thought that Sheridan was brilliant in Flare Path, but even that play could have been seen as moving out of her 'comfort zone'. After all, she was straight into that, only a few weeks after an extended run in Legally Blonde, and nothing could have been more different. Sheridan is such a versatile actress, she's proved that she can do comedy and drama equally well.  I think she will definitely be able to do  'haughty and fatally ambitious', and  I'm really looking forward to seeing Sheridan's portrayal of Hedda.