Mrs Henderson Presents, the tale of an eccentric widow who creates an audacious brand of live entertainment during the Blitz, is to be transformed into a stage musical at the Theatre Royal Bath next summer.
The production, which will feature songs created by the movie’s music team of George Fenton and Simon Chamberlain with lyrics by the legendary Don Black, is promising a transfer to London’s West End shortly after.
Played on the big screen by stage icon Dame Judi Dench, the titular Laura Henderson has time on her hands in 1937 and is in search of a project when she discovers a run-down former cinema. Having worked with a feisty impresario to create a variety venue the war ups the stakes and a new form of entertainment is needed… which is when Mrs Henderson concocts the plan of The Windmill Girls, glamorous young women posing as nude statues.
The musical’s book, based on the hit film, has been written by Terry Johnson who will also direct. A West End regular, Johnson’s productions include Hitchcock Blonde, Dead Funny, Hysteria and La Cage Aux Folles, for which he won the Olivier Award for Best Director. Johnson is currently directing the Hampstead Theatre production of Seminar.
A London venue and casting is yet to be confirmed for the production.