The London premier of Mrs Henderson Presents Theatre Breaks has now closed.
After a successful run at the Theatre Royal Bath, new musical Mrs Henderson Presents, based on the 2005 film starring Dame Judi Dench, is now at the Noel Coward theatre, London with Mrs Henderson Presents Theatre Breaks including tickets and hotel accommodation, now available to book.
With lyrics by Don Black (Tell Me On A Sunday, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard) Mrs Henderson Presents tells the story of eccentric widow Laura Henderson, who, in 1937, turned a run-down theatre in Soho into a risque venue featuring nude statues. With the country on the brink of war, The Windmill Theatre’s moral lifting slogan “We Never Close” caused both stampede’s at the box office as well as controversy.
Tracie Bennett, former Coronation Street actress, takes on the role of the infamous Mrs Henderson with another Olivier Award winner Ian Bartholomew (Into the Woods) in the role of feisty impresario Vivian Van Damm who helps her transform the fortunes of the theatre.
Hotels for Mrs Henderson Presents Theatre Breaks
The Noel Coward Theatre is on St Martin’s Lane so hotels close by include the Guoman Charing Cross on the Strand and the Radisson Blu Mercer Street by Seven Dials. Both are 4 star deluxe hotels and ideal for a spot of pampering.
The Strand Palace hotel is within walking distance too and, after extensive refurbishment a couple of years ago has gone from a three to a four star. However, for a central hotel its prices are still relatively cheap. Of course, if you are looking for a real bargain then you can’t go far wrong than choosing the Travelodge Covent Garden slap bang in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Soho. The accommodation is basic three star with no frills, but what a location!
The theatre is close to Leicester Square tube station so you could also look at staying in Bloomsbury which is only a couple of stops away (or a 20 minute walk) and does offer some more great deals: the 4 star Hotel Russell or the 3 star ‘tourist’ hotels the National or the President are usually substantially cheaper than a West End hotel would be!
Show File
Genre : Musical
Theatre : Noel Coward, St Martins Lane, London WC2N 4AU
Performance times: Monday to Saturday at 19:30; and Wednesday & Saturday at 15:00
Opened : 17th February 2016
Booking to: Now closed
Nearest tube station: Leicester Square on Piccadilly & Northern Lines
Nearest hotels: Guoman Charing Cross, Radisson Blu Mercer Street, Travelodge Covent Garden
Mrs Henderson Presents Theatre Breaks Reviews
MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS provided for an overall delightful evening. I will not write about the plot as most people will at the very least have seen the film version. The songs were effective and unpretentious. The show suffered not a jot for its lack of pyrotechnics or special effects; indeed, its reliance on the plot and drama to move the audience was refreshing in a West-end musical. If you would like to see a show and enjoy the suspension of disbelief, the drama and the music this is decidedly the show for you.
One weak point (to be fair): the second act plays as though there is a huge editorial decision taken that moves the action too swiftly (towards the end). This is understandable given the length but, perhaps some finesse in the editing wouldn't go amiss.
Really enjoyed seeing 'Mrs Henderson Presents' last night. A very talented cast lead by the wonderful Tracie Bennett, who doesn't disappoint. Fun show with some great songs fitting for that era especially the song sung by Emma Williams. Nudity performed very tactfully and when the men join in, done with humour and decency. Set worked especially the roof scenes. Best wishes for a good run.
I was lucky enough to be invited to a preview of Mrs Henderson Presents last night. Very period songs and jokes and the requisit amount of nudity, tastfully done - with nods to the theatre's own semi-clad nymphs high in the auditium ceiling!. Obviously the star is Tracie Bennett who does a top job of filling Judi Dench's boots from the film, but my highlight was provided by Emma Williams singing "If Mountains Were Easy to Climb". Good supporting performers, some nice quirky choreography. Generally a high standard of production all round