The show is set to begin performances at London's Menier Chocolate Factory Nov. 20 prior to an official opening Dec. 2, for a limited run through March 5, 2016. Broadway's Michael Mayer is set to direct Sheridan Smith as Fanny Brice, the role famously originated by Barbra Streisand.

With music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill and book by Isobel Lennart, it tells the true story of Fanny Brice, who rose from the Lower East Side of New York to become one of Broadway's biggest stars under producer Florenz Ziegfield. While she was cheered onstage as a great comedienne, offstage she faced a doomed relationship with the man she loved. The score includes such songs as "People," "I'm the Greatest Star" and "Don't Rain on My Parade."

The creative team also includes designs by Michael Pavelka, choreography by Lynne Page, lighting by Mark Henderson, sound by Richard Brooker and musical supervision by Alan Williams.

Smith previously appeared at the Menier in its 2006 revival of Little Shop of Horrors that subsequently transferred to the West End's Duke of York's. The production also subsequently toured (without Smith). She most recently appeared on stage in A Midsummer Night's Dream for the Michael Grandage Company at the Noel Coward Theatre. Other stage credits include Hedda Gabler (Old Vic), Flare Path (Theatre Royal Haymarket – Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress, Evening Standard and Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Actress), Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre – Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical), Tinderbox (Bush Theatre), The People are Friendly (Royal Court) and Into the Woods (Donmar Warehouse). TV credits include "Blackwork," "The C Word," "Cilla," "Mrs. Biggs" (BAFTA Best Actress), "Jonathan Creek," "Gavin & Stacey," "Larkrise to Candleford," "Two Pints of Larger and a Packet of Crisps" and "The Royale Family."

Mayer has previously been represented in London by the transfers of his Broadway productions of Spring Awakening and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Shaftesbury Theatre). He is currently represented on Broadway by Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Tony nomination for Best Director). Other Broadway credits include On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, American Idiot and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. 

This production is presented in association with Sonia Friedman Productions and Scott Landis.


The run is now sold out. For further information, visit www.menierchocolatefactory.com.