First look at Sheridan Smith and Funny Girl cast in rehearsals

Rehearsal pics have been released offering a first glimpse at the cast of Funny Girl in preparations for their opening at the Menier next month.

Sheridan Smith leads the cast as Fanny Brice and is joined by Darius Campbell as Nick.

The full cast includes Valda Aviks (Mrs O'Malley), Natasha J Barnes (Emma/Mrs Meeker), Marilyn Cutts (Mrs Brice), Maurice Lane (Mr Keeney), Bruce Montague (Ziegfeld), Joel Montague (Eddie), and Gay Soper (Mrs Strakosh).

The cast will be completed by Emma Caffrey, Matthew Croke, Joelle Dyson, Rebecca Fennelly, Luke Fetherston, Leah Harris, Kelly Homewood, Sammy Kelly and Stuart Ramsay.

Michael Mayer's production, which opens at the Menier Chocolate Factory on 2 December, broke the theatre's box office records in August by becoming the fastest-selling show in their history.

It has since been announced that the show will transfer to the West End, opening at the Savoy Theatre for a strictly limited 12 week run from 9 April 2016.

Written by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, the musical is based on the life and career of Broadway star Fanny Brice, and her relationship with Nick Arnstein. It features songs including "People", "Don't Rain on My Parade" and "I'm the Greatest Star".

Producers Sonia Friedman and Scott Landis said: "2016 will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the original London production of Funny Girl. It's enormously exciting to be bringing this legendary musical back to the West End for the first time since 1966, in a brand new production starring the incredible Sheridan Smith."

Tickets for the West End run are on sale now.

Funny Girl runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory from 2 December 2015 to 5 March 2016 and the Savoy Theatre from 9 April 2016.

Click here to buy tickets now.