Based on the 2005 film of the same name and starring Tracie Bennett can Terry Johnson’s production put a smile on audience’s faces?
The Stage: **** Mark Shenton wrote that: “there’s nothing salacious about it. In fact there’s something sweetly innocent about it; I’m happy to report that this show is no bomb, but scores a direct hit of its own.”
Official London Theatre: “The stunning Emma Williams gives the most fearless performance you’ll see this year in this brilliantly British tale of pluck, fight, blitz spirit and heart.”
The Telegraph: *** Dominic Cavendish commented: “This feel like a semi-triumphant evocation of a bygone demi-monde: there’s something missing, and it’s not the clothes.”
The Evening Standard: ** Fiona Mountford thought that: “how dispiriting it is to see a West End stage in 2016 filled with topless women.”
The Reviews Hub: *** (1/2) Scott Matthewman said: “Mrs Henderson Presents is still a fine evening of entertainment, and its representation of a more innocent, and reserved, attitude to nudity is faithful to the spirit of the time.”
A West End Whinger: ** “With its music hall sensibility (and some unashamedly patriotic flag waving), spoon-playing, tap dancing, juggling and conjuring it really should have been up our old-fashioned alley.”
WhatsOnStage: **** Michael Coveney wrote: “Mrs Henderson Presents is an old-fashioned musical in a good way: it celebrates the long-gone Windmill Theatre and its famous Revue-de-ville – front cloth comics, naked tableaux, cheerful war-time patriotism – while telling a story of showbiz survival against the odds.”
West End Frame: ****Andrew Tomlins thought: “With some touching and inspiring moments, ultimately Mrs Henderson Presents is a lot of fun.”
London Theatre 1: **** Patsy Trench summed it up saying: “As British as Marmite and as old-fashioned as a wind-up wireless, it is what it sets out to be: a thoroughly enjoyable night out.”
The Financial Times: *** Sarah Hemming found that the production: “has bags of spirit and charm: what holds it back is that the narrative, ironically, remains skin deep.”
Overall verdict: plenty of charm but perhaps lacks slightly in terms of narrative. Plenty of praise for Emma Williams and Tracie Bennett.
Mrs Henderson Presents is booking at the Noel Coward Theatre until the 18th June. To book tickets visit: Ticketmaster.co.uk, Discount Theatre.com, Last Minute.com, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk, Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.