02 March 2023 , 08:30
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Sheridan Smith received high praise for her performance in the one-woman play Shirley Valentine on Wednesday night.
The actress closed her stunning performance by welcoming her 22-month old son Billy onto the stage as she struggled to hold back tears while receiving a standing ovation from the adoring crowd.
Sheridan welled up after a pyjama-wearing Billy joined her on stage before the pair waved goodbye as the actress thanked the crowds and left the stage.
In the West End production, Sheridan stars as a middle-aged lonely heart who was first portrayed by Pauline Collins in a 1989 film of the same name.
Shirley Valentine is one-woman-show tells the story of a working class housewife from Liverpool (Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Sheridan Smith was joined by her son Billy (Dave Benett/Getty Images)At London's Duke of York Theatre, a host of famous faces enjoyed the one-woman-show which tells the story of a working class housewife from Liverpool.
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A source said: "She brought her baby boy up onstage who waved adoringly to the crowds, kissed his mum on the cheek and carried on clapping.
"The audience was enthralled and it was the perfect ending to the most breathtaking performance by Sheridan in a one woman show."
Sheridan and Billy waved goodbye before leaving the stage (Dave Benett/Getty Images)"She captivated audiences throughout and took them on the most beautiful journey, with ease," a source told MailOnline.
Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden and her mother Judith were in attendance on Wednesday alongside former Brookside actress Claire Sweeney.
Former Hollyoaks star Gary Lucy also enjoyed the performance and was joined by his mother Ros at the show.
Amanda Holden was in attendance at the performance (Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Amanda was with her mother Judith (Dave Benett/Getty Images)The West End show, directed by Matthew Dunster, has already made history by breaking the theatre's box office record after opening to advance bookings totalling £4million.
The play is a life-affirming story of a woman who has found herself lost in marriage and motherhood as she talks about her life to the kitchen wall whilst cooking her husband's chips and eggs.
After Sheridan's performance, audience members praised the actress and described the star as an "icon".
Sheridan and her adorable son BillyOne fan tweeted: "@sheridansmith1 wow what a performance, a true icon and such talent. One woman show, so incredible @shirleyonstage a must see."
"A well deserved standing ovation for @sheridansmith1 this evening after an incredible opening night performance as Shirley Valentine. Craving chips and egg now," another wrote.
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