Sheridan Smith was moved to tears in last night’s press performance of the West End’s adaptation of Shirley Valentine.
The 41-year-old actress brought her 22-month old son Billy on stage to rapturous applause and later rave reviews for the first night of the show in London’s Duke Of York Theatre.
The play, which runs until June, is based on the 1989 film of the same name which follows a working class housewife from Liverpool who has lost her sparkle.
Upping sticks and leaving her kitchen sink life for the Greek sunshine, Shirley Valentine – a character made famous by Pauline Collins – embarks on a joyous adventure.
Wearing a tied up pink t-shirt, some denim shorts and a hearty smile, the Gavin & Stacey actress welled with tears at the audience’s grateful response.
A source told MailOnline of the evening: ‘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.
‘She captivated audiences throughout and took them on the most beautiful journey, with ease.’
Matthew Dunster directed show, which has broken the theatre’s box office record with its advance bookings totalling £4million.
The production was written by Willy Russell, and the set was designed by Paul Wills, with lighting by Lucy Carter.
The audience, which included Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden and actor Claire Sweeney, were delighted at the show.
One person took to Twitter in delight: ‘A once-in-a-generation kind of talent @Sheridansmith1 I will never forget your performance as Shirley Valentine. I went though all of the emotions. Thank you.’
They added: ‘Give Sheridan all of the awards, immediately’.
Elsewhere, Sheridan has previously opened up about her journey into motherhood after welcoming her little boy, whom she shares with her ex-fiancé, insurance broker Jamie Horn.
The pair split a year after welcoming Billy.
She said: ‘Things used to seem so complicated and now everything is so simple.
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‘I’ve been looking for this all my life. I’ve looked in the wrong places – in nightclubs, going out drinking, pushing myself with work.
‘Now in this little baby I’ve found… that I’m at peace with everything.’
We love to see the star thriving.
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