Cheryl made her big West End debut at London’s Lyric Theatre on Friday evening in the production of Ghost Story: 2:22.
The hitmaker, 39, took to the stage to kick off her three-month stint as the leading female role of Jenny, following on the role from stars such as Lily Allen and Laura Whitmore.
It comes as Cheryl hit back at reports that the show got off to a late start due to rehearsals running over time, leaving ticket-holders to queue outside in the cold as they waited.
On-stage: Cheryl made her West End debut on Friday evening during her first performance of Ghost Story: 2:22
Taking to the stage, Cheryl donned a burgundy dress with a white floral print, high neck and long sleeve.
Her chestnut tresses were bundled into an up do’, with two sections left falling to frame her face.
But as call time came, fans were allegedly left waiting with The Sun reporting that guests waited over 15 minutes for the late start.
However, a representative for Cheryl told MailOnline on Saturday: ‘The show started at 7.44pm and everyone was in their seat at this time.’
‘It was slightly delayed as it’s the first preview and it was completely sold out, so there was a lot of people to get into the theatre. Rehearsals did not overrun at all.’
Costume: Taking to the stage, Cheryl donned a burgundy dress with a white floral print, high neck and long sleeve
Waiting to see Cheryl! Crowds are pictured outside the venue ahead of the show
Doing her thing: Cheryl was snapped as she sat on stage with a glass of wine, acting alongside a co-star
Waiting: As call time came, fans were left waiting in Soho as the queue stretched over three roads
The performance kicks off a three month stint for the star, beginning the new year off with a bang.
It’s been claimed that Cheryl is hoping to ‘reinvent herself’ with a big stage role after a three-year hiatus from the spotlight.
A source told new! magazine: ‘Cheryl wants to reinvent herself in 2023. She was on TV all the time, she was the sweetheart of the nation. But she stepped back for a while to focus on being a mother.
‘She’s excited to be coming back. Some things haven’t worked out in the past that she’s tried, but this is a very exciting time for her.’
Popular: Many of the performances are sold out
New endeavour: The performance kicks off a three month stint for the star, beginning the new year off with a bang
And Cheryl is reportedly set to pocket one of the biggest fees in West End history for her stint in the play, with sources claiming she’ll earn £750,000 for four months work.
A source told The Sun: ‘The producers know this will get everyone talking, but it will ruffle feathers.’
It was previously reported that Cheryl would be earning at least £100,000 for her work in the play, despite facing criticism for her casting due to her lack of acting experience.
New image: It’s been claimed that Cheryl is hoping to ‘reinvent herself’ with a big stage role after a three-year hiatus from the spotlight
Paycheck! And Cheryl is reportedly set to pocket one of the biggest fees in West End history for her stint in the play, with sources claiming she’ll earn £750,000 for four months work
After signing up to appear in 106 shows, The Sun reported earlier this week that an industry booker revealed: ‘Cheryl is getting around £1,000 a show.
‘The deal is £100,000 but will also be linked to ticket sales so if she helps shift around 80 per cent of seats then she’ll be entitled to more money on top of that.’
Just last month, she was announced as the new lead in the popular play, taking over the part of Jenny.
Cheryl excitedly shared the news on Instagram, gushing that ‘it is a totally new experience for me.’
New role: Just last month, she was announced as the new lead in the popular play, taking over the part of Jenny