Mrs Henderson Presents - Review

Noel Coward Theatre, London

****

Music by George Fenton & Simon Chamberlain

Lyrics by Don Black

Direction and book by Terry Johnson

Fresh out of the ‘Bath’ as it were and straight into London’s West End comes the eagerly anticipated transfer of last year’s adaptation of the film Mrs Henderson Presents. Perhaps most commonly known to most as the ‘striptease revue film’ starring Judi Dench, Will Young & the late great Bob Hoskins. Mrs Laura Henderson and her girls bring us straight to the heart of an austerity Britain, with the women and the workers of World War 2, providing a much more gut-wrenching hit than one might have imagined. 

The show is a glorious step back into the good old days of great British revue and sits comfortably when jumping between both the on and offstage lives of its characters. Delivering equal measures of comedy and song there is also Terry Johnson’s fabulously risqué book-full of one liners to make more than your hairs stand on end. Credit here also to Johnson’s direction, which alongside Don Blacks lyrics provides captures much of Britain’s earlier theatrical heritage. The book offers all the ingredients of a hit, with just the right amount of pathos and pain on display. George Fenton and Simon Chamberlain’s score serves the piece accordingly, adding a variety of flavours that all evoke both the era and the show itself. The only missing ingredient for this ‘revue’ would have been the delicious addition of an Overture and/or Entr’acte to the proceedings, that could perhaps have paid homage to some of the great British musical classics.

Helming her ‘Revuedeville’ Girls - the fabulous Tracie Bennett steals the show and the laughs with some outstanding lines and a wonderfully driven and deliciously dirty Mrs Henderson. Bennett gives an effervescent portrayal of wit, charm and sincerity that may well go on to pay dividends for her come awards season. And whilst it is left to Bennett to steal the laughs, Emma Williams has no problem in stealing our hearts with a beautifully epic portrayal of the wonderful Maureen. Williams again delivers comedy and heartache in abundance, providing another award worthy performance to add to her catalogue of recent successes. A special nod must also be given to Lizzy Connolly, Katie Bernstein and Lauren Hood, leading their fellow ensemble of girls through a whirlwind performance of both excitingly comical and poignantly beautiful work when it comes to Mrs Henderson’s show itself. Throughout, the ensemble provide a sparkling array of classic musical theatre magic, with production numbers such as the wonderful Mrs Henderson Presents led by Samuel Holmes and What a Waste of a Moon, with its beautiful choreography from Andrew Wright. 

With a wonderful supporting design by Tim Shortall, and some inspired musical direction of this fine new score from Barney Ashworth, Mrs Henderson Presents gives us more than a glimpse into the bleak and backstage struggle of Britain in the midst of crisis - and perhaps this is where both show and story triumph. It is what is going on behind the curtain that makes Mrs Henderson Presents quite such an epic statement on the country’s chaos. And, indeed, ultimately makes Laura Henderson herself quite the empowered and driven ambassador at the helm of her show, and our story. Mrs Henderson Presents certainly doesn’t fail to capture our attention - but quite unexpectedly it manages to capture our hearts as well.

Now booking until 18th June 

Guest reviewer: Jack Clements

Photo credit: Paul Coltas

Private Lives - Review

Churchill Theatre, Bromley


***

Written by Noël Coward
Directed by Tom Attenborough

Laura Rogers and Tom Chambers

Pleasing on the eye and ear, this 1930s Noël Coward script is brought to life for 2016 by director Tom Attenborough and a cast of five. 

Telling the story of two newly married divorcees who find themselves honeymooning in conjoining suites, the play follows Elyot and Amanda as they differentiate between love and marriage and perception and reality – both with each other and their new partners. 

The cast inject the tongue-in-cheek script with a generally well received joie de vivre. Although there are some remarks that distinctly date the script, the issues of misogyny and domestic violence – thorny at the best of times, not least in front of a 21st century audience – are tackled with sufficient comedy to set the audience somewhat at ease. 

Richard Teverson as the booming and pompous Victor Prynne delivers a solid performance, but confined by the script, it is difficult for the audience to warm to him. The same is true of Charlotte Ritchie’s Sibyl Chase – but her Sibyl evolves to gradually show more gumption and, in the second half, seems to be taking increasing inspiration from Amanda, in a good way. 

There is a disappointing performance from Tom Chambers, playing Elyot Chase, who struggles to match the presence of his fellow actors and – although he has some excellent moments – the lack of consistency is noted. 

But Laura Rogers (as Amanda Prynne) steals the show; her fluidity and energy makes her a captivating performer to watch, and seeing her hurtle through varying degrees of passion and back with apparent ease is wonderful. 

The set and costuming work well, effectively transporting the audience back to the grandeur of the lives lived by England’s wealthy. 

A classic piece of theatre and, for the most part, an entertaining evening. 

Runs until 23rd January - Then tours.

Guest reviewer: Bhakti Gajjar

Anything Goes : Karen Akers Sings Cole Porter - Review

The Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zedel, London


*****

Karen Akers

Karen Akers’ one week residency at Brasserie Zedel’s Crazy Coqs  is a cabaret performance that is simply sublime. Gliding on to the stage, in a long black dress, and a cascade of pearls, Miss Aker’s diminutive frame belies her rich and beauteous sound.

Accompanied by Leigh Thompson on piano, Aker’s set is composed entirely of Porter including many favourites,  as well as some of the lesser known gems from the talented American composer.

Opening with I’m Throwing A Ball, Akers immediately sets out her range and her understanding of Porter’s wit. Not only does she know her Porter musically, she has the most extraordinary grasp of the man’s history and a thorough understanding of the nuance that underlies each word and key change of his compositions. Her performance is a masterclass in musical theatre. Singing Let’s Fall in Love, another of Porter’s witty wonders, she interjects additional verses written by Noel Coward for the American’s classic, classy tune. The Englishman’s lyrics are as funny as they are brilliant, particularly when performed in a foggy autumnal London by such a talented Yank!

Favourites such as Don’t Fence Me In and Anything Goes sound like new songs in Akers’ delivery and Begin the Beguine is an astounding reclamation of a stunning song, back from its mauling by Iglesias! Half way through her song list, she drops a gear for a few more reflective numbers, including It's All Right and I Love Paris, in which her performance is literally spine-tingling. It is apparent that Akers’ voice is the perfect foil for Porter's poignant composer’s pencil.

The hour long set seems far too short. Thompson is a genius on the ivories, complementing the chanteuse perfectly. Catch this if you can.  Karen Akers’ cabaret is an evening of simple intimate excellence.

Runs to November 3