WE NEVER CLOSE

In the wake of the recent tradition of turning beloved Brit-flicks into musicals, here comes a surefire knockout! The true story of London's Windmill Theatre and how it managed to attract baying crowds throughout the Blitz due to the tireless efforts of the titular Mrs Henderson, her showbiz impresario Vivian Van Damm and just a sprinkling of good old fashioned titillation. After receiving raves in Bath, the production, starring Tracie Bennett and Ian Bartholomew opens at the Noel Coward Theatre February 2016.

The show must go on!

Recently widowed and in control of a large fortune and seemingly listless retirement, 70-year-old Laura Henderson decides to take on a project far more taxing than needlework or the WI.When the run-down Windmill Theatre catches her eye, she sets out to make it great again, hiring the fiery Vivian Van Damm, a showbiz manager to help her. Though they spend most of their time clashing, the Windmill soon turns into one of Soho's hottest night spots, with a never ending vaudeville revue to bring in eager audiences.

As the War looms, their good luck appears to be running low with customers abandoning them in favour of Anderson shelters to protect them from the Luftwaffe's torment. But then inspiration strikes! A glamorous tableaux of still, nude showgirls - like the Moulin Rouge - puts them on top again, and the theatre's underground location becomes the perfect refuge from the Blitz for men and women alike! Prompting them to take on the slogan 'We Never Close' and provide entertainment for thousands against the backdrop of a bitter war.

With a book from Terry Johnson and raucous songs from Don Black, George Fenton and Simon Chamberlin, Mrs Henderson Presents has been hailed as the perfect British musical, the tale of plucky eccentrics and their never swaying commitment to their community!

Did you know?

Why statue still you say? After petitioning The Lord Chamberlin to allow nudity in their production, he relented, but only on the understanding that the dancers remain utterly still so it could be considered art and therefore no more salacious than a statue in a museum! Hmm...