Mrs Henderson Presents, Theatre Royal, Bath - review: Lavish furs and acidic put-downs
Tracie Bennett is on feisty form
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.As bright as a showgirl’s sequin and as patriotic as a jam sandwich, Terry Johnson’s new stage musical is based on the original screenplay of the 2005 film starring Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins.
The Windmill was founded in 1931 by wealthy widow Laura Henderson as a venue for lengthy variety shows. In need of some direction, Mrs H brings in pompous manager Vivian Van Damm and together they reinvigorate the fading “Revudeville” show with the idea of having motionless tableaux of nude girls – motionless in order to exploit a loophole in the Lord Chamberlain’s zero tolerance of on-stage nudity.
The one person who stays firmly wrapped up – in a number of lavish furs – is Mrs H herself. Olivier award-winner Tracie Bennett is on feisty form quivering somewhere between naïve amateur enthusiasm and acidic put-downs. She rather outshines her counterpart Ian Bartholomew, whose pinstriped performance as Van Damm errs on the over-earnest.
The other compelling voice in the show belongs to Emma Williams as Maureen, the tea girl who rises to be star of the tableaux.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments