Funny Girl is mostly based on the true story of the life and career of Broadway and film star and comedian Fanny Brice an ugly duckling as a youngster and her meteoric rise to fame in the Ziegfeld Follies. Barbara Streisand starred in the 1968 film the question was could Sheridan Smith fill those big shoes?

Without doubt yes, yes, yes!!

Along the way Fanny meets and falls in love with Nick Arnstein (Chris Peluso) a con man with a fondness for 'the cards, the dice and the horses'  always on the look out for a quick buck, one of life's ultimate losers who eventually reveals his true colours.

Fanny claims to have '36 different expressions' Smith's characterisation is phenomenal, wholly believeable vulnerability, perfect physical and verbal comic timing to heart rendering emotion she wears her heart on her sleeve she gave her all.

Still only in her mid 30's Sheridan oozes talent, she is one of our country's most talented leading ladies who is vocally exceptional, the consummate star of the show in every sense who is clearly working at the top of her game.

A special mention for Rachel Izen's excellent performance as Mrs Brice and Eddie Ryan (Josuha Lay) Fanny's loyal, loving and romantically over-looked choreographer.

A stunning finale, followed by a richly deserved standing ovation for Fanny and the superb supporting cast and orchestra.

Funny Girl is on at the Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday, 25th March book your tickets now for a fabulous evening's entertainment.