West End Wednesday: Mrs Henderson Presents

Mrs Henderson Presents is a 2015 West End musical based on the 2005 film of the same name, which is turn based on real life events. The musical tells the story of Laura Henderson who ran the “Revudeville” show at London’s Windmill Theatre during the war. She set about creating a show that involved nude female performers in tableaux to engage an audience and create a sense of artistic escapism during wartime. The static nature of the performers was used to exploit a loophole in Lord Chamberlain’s censorship laws imposed upon the arts, which then caused a rift between him and the Windmill. Mrs Henderson Presents is a story of artistic expression, determination, heart, unity and the family you find in the most unlikely of places. 

The musical was announced to be in development in 2014 with a workshop taking place the same year. Later that year, the production was officially confirmed to be premiering the summer of 2015 at Bath Theatre Royal with a view to transfer to London’s West End. Initially Janie Dee was announced to be playing the lead character of Laura Henderson in early 2015, however, prior to rehearsals Dee pulled out for personal reasons and was replaced by Tracie Bennett. Emma Williams was announced to play Maureen, with Ian Bartholomew as Vivian Van Damm and Mark Hadfield as Arthur. Victoria Hay, who was in the motion picture, also featured in the musical as one of the Windmill Girls.  The show premiered in Bath to positive notices encouraging a West End transfer. 

Mrs Henderson Presents opened at the Noel Coward Theatre with previews from 9 February 2016. All but three cast members reprised their roles including Mark Hadfield who was replaced by Jamie Forman. The show initially announced a four-month long limited engagement and after receiving mixed reviews, the producers made the decision to close instead of extending.

Mrs Henderson Presents was directed and had a book by Terry Johnson, with music by George Fenton and Simon Chamberlain and lyrics by Don Black. The show was choreographed by Andrew Wright, with set design by Tim Shortall, costume design by Paul Wills, lighting by Ben Ormerod, magic consultancy by Scott Penrose and sound design by Gareth Owen. The show was nominated for four 2016 Laurence Olivier awards but failed to win any. 

The show had its North American premiere in March 2017 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Tornonto, with Tracie Bennett reprising her Olivier award-nominated role of Laura Henderson. Bennett was also joined by Evelyn Hoskins as Maureen and Peter Polycarpou as Vivian Van Damm. 

Besties, if you haven’t listened to this gorgeous show, you simply must! It’s gorgeous British musical theatre at its best!

Cast recording available on AppleMusic and Spotify.

FACTS:

Music: George Fenton and Simon Chamberlain
Lyrics: Don Black
Book: Terry Johnson 

Theatre: The Noel Coward Theatre
Run: 9 February 2016 – 18 June 2016 (around 8 previews and 128 regular performances)

OLIVIERS

(NOMINATED) Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical – Ian Bartholomew, Best Actress in a Musical – Tracie Bennett, Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical – Emma Williams.