It has been confirmed that Terry Johnson’s sell-out musical adaptation of Mrs Henderson Presents is transferring to the West End in February 2016
Tracie Bennett and Ian Bartholomew in Mrs Henderson Presents
Featuring a book and direction by Terry Johnson, Mrs Henderson Presents is based on the 2005 starring Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins.
The music relives the true story of the eccentric and recently-widowed Laura Henderson, who, in 1937, has her eye on a run-down former cinema in Soho, London.
With her newly-hired feisty impresario Vivian Van Damm, the pair present a comprehensive bill of variety acts.
However, as war beckons, the theatre needs to do more to boost morale and to get punters through the door. Hence, The Windmill Girls are born, glamorous young women, who by posing nude as statues, certainly give the Soho cinema a new lease of life!
Tracie Bennett will reprise her role as Mrs Henderson, playing alongside Ian Bartholomew as Van Damm and Emma Williams as Mrs Henderson’s young protégé, Maureen, both of whom are also transferring from the Theatre Royal in Bath.
The musical production of Mrs Henderson Presents features lyrics by Don Black and music by George Fenton. Simon Chamberlain, the original music director in the 2005 film, is also returning for the stage production.
Speaking of why they chose the Noel Coward Theatre as the venue for the West End transfer, producer Michael Harrison told the Mail:
“We didn’t want a big barn of a place that would overshadow some of the more intimate scenes.”
Mrs Henderson Presents will start previews at the Noel Coward Theatre on February 9, 2016 with the official opening taking place on February 16, 2016.
Book your tickets here!
