Sheridan Smith, who has earned rave reviews for her performance of Fanny Brice in London's first major revival of Funny Girl since Barbra Streisand reprised her Broadway star-making turn in the original production in 1966, has missed two performances this week on March 1 and 2, as her father is reported to be unwell.

In a Twitter posting early on March 2, Smith commented, "People think, I pulled out of funny Girl, not just yet. I mssed 1 show last night, back to finish this week @MenChocFactory then we'll see.❤️u"

In a press statement, a spokesperson for the production has commented, “Our priority at this time is to Sheridan and her family. Sheridan’s primary concern is quite rightly her father's wellbeing, and we support her wholeheartedly. We would never ask nor expect an artist to perform in this situation, and ask that you respect her and her family's privacy at this time. She will not be performing in Funny Girl this evening, and we will take each day as it comes. Tonight's performance of Funny Girl will go ahead with her understudy Natasha J Barnes.”

It was further stated, “The run of Funny Girl at the Menier Chocolate Factory has been a tremendous success, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to the transfer at the Savoy from April. For those patrons who have tickets to any affected performances at the Menier and choose not to see the show, the producers are in agreement with Sheridan, and would like to confirm her offer of tickets to see her in Funny Girl at the Savoy. Tickets will be subject to availability. Patrons should contact the Menier to make arrangements.”

The entire run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, through March 5, is sold out. For the West End transfer, which begins performances April 9 at the Savoy Theatre for a run through October 8, visit funnygirlthemusical.co.uk.