London Odds & Ends: Glenn Close May Return to Sunset Boulevard, Sheridan Smith Set for Funny Girl & More

Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed from London today.

Glenn Close May Return to Sunset Boulevard
It’s as if she never said goodbye! Glenn Close may not just be reprising her Tony-winning role of Norma Desmond on screen, but also on stage in London. The Daily Mail reports that the star could headline Sunset Boulevard for a limited engagement at the English National Opera in spring 2016 or 2017. Featuring a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and a book and lyrics by Christopher Hampton and Don Black, the tuner premiered in the West End in 1993, directed by Trevor Nunn and starring Patti LuPone. In a widely publicized upset that resulted in an out-of-court settlement, Close brought the role of Norma to the Great White Way the following year. The production won seven Tonys including Best Musical.

Sheridan Smith Confirms Funny Girl
Lea Michele Sheridan Smith has revealed that she will play Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. The British stage and screen star had been in talks with director Michael Mayer about headlining the classic tuner at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Smith won two Oliviers in consecutive years for Legally Blonde and Flare Path; Mayer won the Tony for Spring Awakening and was nominated for Hedwig, Thoroughly Modern Millie, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and A View From the Bridge. This could end up being a West End—and Broadway—match in heaven...

Bertie Carvel Will Headline The Hairy Ape
Bertie Carvel will lead the cast of Eugene O’Neill’s The Hairy Ape. Directed by Richard Jones, the previously reported production will begin previews on October 17 and officially open on October 29 at the Old Vic. Carvel, who received a Tony nod and won an Olivier for Matilda, will play Robert Smith “Yank.” Further casting will be announced later.

Kenneth Branagh Taps John Dagleish & Zoë Wanamaker
Kenneth Branagh’s much-buzzed about season at the Garrick Theatre just got even starrier! Branagh has brought in Olivier winner John Dagleish (Sunny Afternoon) and four-time Tony nominee Zoë Wanamaker (Awake and Sing!) to appear in Harlequinade. It will be double duty for both; Dagleish will also star in The Winter’s Tale, while Wanamaker is set to perform Terence Rattigan’s dramatic monologue All On Her Own every evening before Harlequinade. Harlequinade and The Winter’s Tale are scheduled to play in repertory at the West End venue October 17 through January 16, 2016.

Watch New Sherlock Trailer
It's Friday, it's been a long week and since he's about to return to the stage in Hamlet, including this sneak peek in today's roundup is almost absolutely justified. Below is the first trailer for Sherlock's upcoming Victorian special, starring Olivier winner Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role. You're welcome.