According to a report in the UK's Daily Mail, just as the show's producers were about to sign the deal to secure the theatre, Smith and her representatives "said she did not want to commit to a long run that would take her away from what is clearly becoming a burgeoning film and television acting career."
The Mail reports that the move "has enraged those involved with the show," and quotes one creative connected with the show as describing it as "an act of pure selfishness." Her departure is being termed as a "scheduling problem and a failure to agree."
The show has Stephen Daldry on board as director, Peter Darling as choreographer and Lily Allen as composer. It is now being planned to bring it to the West End next year instead.
