Review Mrs Henderson Presents Noel Coward Theatre London….
Based on the 2005 film, Mrs Henderson Presents has taken to the stage at the Noel Coward Theatre in the heart of the West End.
Starring the brilliantly compelling (and effortless) Tracie Bennett, this joyous musical tells the story of the eccentric, Laura Henderson, who built an empire at the Windmill Theatre London.
Much has been made of the nudity in this production, good lord – it’s hardly salacious, used sparingly and certainly nothing to offend Mother!
This show is seamlessly written with laugh out loud zingers throughout, precise and thrilling choreography and a beautifully mellifluous well written score performed to perfection.
For me this is the best new musical in the West End in years. Clever, sassy, funny, meaningful and moving. 4* from me!
It is beyond my comprehension the theatre was little over half full on a Saturday night. Total travesty.
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The talent in this show is truly impressive. Some of the best collective voices I’ve heard in a very long time.
Nods especially go to Ian Bartholomew who has one of the most powerful and moving voices of his generation. Emma Williams was also simply delicious in every way as Maureen.
After acquiring and renovating the Windmill Theatre, she hires feisty impresario Vivian Van Damm to present a bill of non-stop variety acts.
But as war looms something more is required to boost morale and box office… Mrs Henderson comes up with the idea of The Windmill Girls – glamorous young women posing as nude statues – and audiences flock!
This show is the epitome of a what every West End musical should be. Fun, funny, compelling, unpredictable and allows the entire cast to shine. I guess it’s all in the writing.
During some of the WW2 scenes there were nods to The Producers in style and visual and that is no bad thing. Laugh out loud brilliant in places.
Tracie’s cutting delivery of some of her naughty retorts were delicious!
I would have tightened the first half by a few minutes. There was a natural interval when it meandered on for another 15 minutes. Other than that, this is show is perfect.
Don’t miss Mrs Henderson Presents.
Review by Alex Belfield for Celebrity Radio 19th March 2016.
