There’s a chance to see Sheridan Smith on the North East stage in 2026.

The much-respected actor is starring in the lead role of a new production of Alan Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind, which is in the midst of a limited West End Run.

Sheridan Smith (Susan) in Woman in Mind. Photo by Marc Brenner | Photo by Marc Brenner

placeholder image — Sheridan Smith (Susan) in Woman in Mind. Photo by Marc Brenner | Photo by Marc Brenner

It’s followed by just two regional dates, with Sunderland Empire one of the two, hosting the play from Wednesday 4 until Saturday 7 March 2026.

And here’s the first images to be released of Sheridan in the role of Susan, which she plays alongside Romesh Ranganathan as Bill.

Romesh Ranganathan (Bill) and Sheridan Smith (Susan). Photo by Marc Brenner. | Marc Brenner

Multi-award-winning Sheridan recently won much praise for her moving portrayal of Billingham mam Ann Ming in North East-produced I Fought the Law.

In Woman in Mind, directed by Michael Longhurst, she plays Susan. When she sustains a bump to the head, her world splits in two—one mundane, one imagined—and the lines begin to blur.

Romesh Ranganathan (Bill), Tim McMullan (Gerald) and Sheridan Smith (Susan). Photo by Marc Brenner | Marc Brenner

Ayckbourn’s groundbreaking play is said to be a gripping exploration of identity, family, and mental escape.

Completing the cast are Louise Brealey as Muriel, Tim McMullan as Gerald, Sule Rimi as Andy, Chris Jenks as Tony, Safia Oakley-Green as Lucy, Taylor Uttley as Rick, Katie Buchholz and Michael Woolfitt.

WOMAN IN MIND will hit Sunderland Empire’s stage from Wednesday 4 – Saturday 7 March 2026. Tickets available online now at ATGTickets.com/ Sunderland *

* A £3.95 transaction fee may apply to online bookings.