Sheridan Smith is beaming as she blows kisses to fans after Shirley Valentine performance

Sheridan Smith was beaming as she blew kisses to a sea of adoring fans waiting outside after her performance in Shirley Valentine on Saturday night. 

The actress, 41, is playing the Liverpudlian housewife in the one-woman show in London’s Duke of York theatre. 

After another successful night on stage, she met fans by the door and spent a long time chatting to them. 

She shook hands with theatregoers and signed autographs before blowing kisses as she got in her taxi home.

Sheridan looked casual but chic in a koala cap and leather jacket as she wrapped up warm after her performance. 

Beaming: Sheridan Smith was ecstatic as she greeted fans after her Shirley Valentine performance at London’s Duke of York theatre on Saturday

Affectionate: The actress, 41, blew kisses as she got in her taxi, after speaking to fans and taking selfies

She opted for a discreet look in all black, including a T-shirt with angel wings, and accessorised with a gold chain. 

Her blonde tresses were neatly pinned back under her hat, but she maintained a glam palette of make-up from the show, which included a red lip.  

Sheridan recently made history by breaking a box office opening record with £4million in ticket sales for the show.

Stepping into shoes first worn by Pauline Collins in a 1989 film of the same name, the actress has been a hit with critics for her one-woman performance as the middle-aged lonely-heart.

Her press night performance was given a rapturous reception, with an emotional Smith evidently taken aback by the response as she closed the performance by welcoming her 22-month old son Billy onto the stage.

A source told The Sun: ‘Shirley ­Valentine was already a natural treasure but Sheridan has made the nation fall in love with her all over again.

‘No one could have imagined that a one-woman play from the Eighties would break box-office records but theatre bosses are thrilled.

‘Sheridan has never been happier. She is adored on stage and has her son by her side. It is as if she is having her very own Shirley Valentine awakening.’

Casual figure: The actress kept a subtle look in all-black, wrapping up warm in a leather jacket

Success: Sheridan made history with £4million in ticket sales as the performances continue to be popular

Amazing: Sheridan recently made history by breaking a box office opening record with £4million in ticket sales for the show

Success: The role of Shirley Valentine was made famous by actress Pauline Collins, 82, when it was made into a film in 1989

The play – which runs until June – is the joyous, life-affirming story of the woman who got lost in marriage and motherhood, the woman who wound up talking to the kitchen wall whilst cooking her husband’s chips and egg. 

A description adds: ‘But Shirley still has a secret dream. And in her bag, an airline ticket. One day she may just leave a note, saying: “Gone! Gone to Greece”.’

The play was written by Willy Russell, directed by Matthew Dunster, designed by Paul Wills, with lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph and is produced by David Pugh.

Previously speaking about taking on the role, Sheridan explained: ‘As a mum now myself I’m delighted to be playing theatre’s best-loved mum and I am honoured to be entrusted by Willy Russell to bring his Shirley to life once again in the West End. Now, to practice cooking chips and egg.’