Sheridan Smith makes a triumphant return to stage after denying being 'drunk' during a performance

Sheridan Smith returned triumphant to the stage after Thursday's show was cancelled due to a 'technical failure' Credit: PA

Sheridan Smith earned a standing ovation on Friday night as she returned to the West End stage a day after a show was cancelled amid accusations the actress was "drunk".

A spokesperson for the Cilla star has denied claims the actress was slurring her words during the performance of her hit show, Funny Girl.

Theatre bosses also said Thursday's show was cut short due to a "technical failure".

The curtain had come down just 35 minutes into the performance at the Savoy Theatre, according to audience members, before being called off completely after a lengthy wait.

Sheridan Smith plays Fanny Brice in the hit West End Musical

Theatre-goers were left angry and concerned at Smith's alleged behaviour, whose father has recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Abigail Richter, who paid £123 for a stalls tickets, told The Sun that Smith was "all over the place."

"She started in a Bronx accent but slipped into Irish," she said.

Emma John questioned if Smith's character Fanny Brice is "supposed to sound a bit drunk?"

Public relations consultant Chloe Nelkin described hearing boos as the show was cancelled after a 40-minute wait, before adding: "So various stories circulating about why @FunnyGirl--UK @Sheridansmith1 was stopped mid-show tonight. Be good if the theatre explained why!"

The Savoy Theatre offered to exchange the audience's tickets, adding: "Apologies to all affected by tonight's technical failure at Funny Girl."

A spokeswoman for Smith told The Sun the suggestion the actress was drunk was "categorically not true".

Smith, 34, who plays US actress and comedienne Fanny Brice in the semi-biographical musical, returned triumphant on Friday night, earning rave reviews on Twitter from fans.

Smith "was just superb", fan Jamie McFarlane said, adding: Bloody love that girl!"

Rona Hunnisett wrote: "Wow. Just wow. @sheridansmith in #FunnyGirl. No superlatives left. Just see it."

After the show, Smith came out of the stage door smiling before posing for photos with fans. The actress has since made her Twitter account private.