Mrs Henderson Presents (musical)

Background

The musical is based on the 2005 film Mrs Henderson Presents. The film was based on the true story of London's Windmill Theatre and its owner Laura Henderson, who transformed the theatre and produced Revudeville shows featuring static naked tableaux girls, exploiting a loophole in the Lord Chamberlain's Lord Cromer censorship laws. Laura Henderson was played by Judi Dench in the film. The film won four minor awards and was nominated for 26. Among the nominations were four BAFTA Awards including Best Original Screenplay, two Oscars, three Golden Globe Awards, and eight British Independent Film Awards.

In June 2014, it was first revealed by producer John Reid that an adaption was in the works, with a workshop taking place the same year. On 16 October 2014, the musical was officially confirmed and it was announced that the show would receive its world premiere in summer 2015, with a view to a West End transfer. The musical is directed by and has a book by Terry Johnson, based on an original screenplay by Martin Sherman, with choreography by Andrew Wright, set design by Tim Shortall, costume design by Paul Wills, lighting by Ben Ormerod and magic consultancy by Scott Penrose.

Production history

The show's premiere production began previews at the Theatre Royal in Bath, on 15 August 2015, with its official opening night coming on 26 August, for a limited run until 25 September 2015. Rehearsals began on 7 July 2015. On 6 March 2015, initial casting was announced with the news that Janie Dee would play the role of Laura Henderson with Emma Williams playing Maureen. Further notable casting included Ian Bartholomew as Vivian Van Damm and Mark Hadfield as Arthur. On 7 July 2015, it was revealed that Janie Dee had withdrawn from the production prior to rehearsals due to personal reasons and that Tracie Bennett would replace her in the role of Laura Henderson.

Following completion of the musicals tryout in Bath, it was announced that the show will transfer to the Noel Coward Theatre in London's West End, with an official opening night of 16 February 2016, following previews from 9 February. The majority of the cast reprised their roles with the exceptions of Mark Hadfield, who was replaced in the role of Arthur by former EastEnders actor Jamie Foreman, Graham Hoadly who (owing to a prior contractual commitment) was replaced in the role of Lord Cromer by Robert Hands and Jane Milligan who was replaced in the role of Lady Conway by Liz Ewing.

The West End show garnered mixed although mostly positive reviews. However, despite positive audience reaction the initial four month run was not extended.

The production is set to open on March 15, 2017 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, Canada where it will play a limited engagement until April 23, 2017. Tracie Bennett is set to reprise the role of Mrs Henderson

Music

The musical features an original score composed by George Fenton and Simon Chamberlain, with lyrics by Don Black, orchestrations by Larry Blank, sound design by Gareth Owen and musical direction by Mike Dixon.

Orchestra

The musical uses an eight-member orchestra consisting of Keyboard, Woodwind, Trumpet, Drum's, Percussion, Double Bass and Cello.