Mrs Henderson Presents - Noel Coward Theatre

ggersten, did you do that on purpose!!!

OMG, we're caught in an infinite loop

Anywho, some photos can be found on WoS (not sure if that's the link ggersten had in mind): www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/first-look-mrs-henderson-presents-gallery-images_39731.html

The original post has been toned down considerably in order to avoid offending anyone. If you still don't like it then that's unfortunate and I'm sorry, but we are not about creating some sort of fascist state where people can't express a point of view, regardless of how disagreeable you might find it to be. I think everyone who had read the original post, and the edited version will have formed their own opinion of the poster. Sometimes that is the best form of moderation.

Aren't the Mirvish's one of the co-producers? 

Well That was a pleasant surprise, I went to press night tonight and liked it a lot.

Liked the score more than I expected. It's not a classic, but it has an old fashioned charm. Couldn't make out half of the lyrics because of the terrible sound though.

The female chorus were all very game to disrobe so boldly, and anyone here criticising bodies on stage is a cretin. It's a wonderful celebration of the human body. The scene where they first take their clothes off is beautifully staged.

Emma Williams steals the show as most have pointed out. She looks gorgeous, acts brilliantly and sings like a dream. The only downside is that she doesn't get a moment of applause at the end of her song as Tracie Bennett joins in. A real shame as you sense she'd get the biggest round of the night.

Talking of Bennett.. Wow. What a spectacular piece of miscasting. She turns Mrs Henderson into a caricature. She's too young and it's painfully evident throughout how out of her depth in the role she is. Not her own fault- she should never have been cast. Everything is played so grotesquely I longed for her to get off the stage. At no point did she inhabit the role- every moment felt effortful. If she gets rave reviews for it, I'll give up all hope.

Poor Jamie Forman.. All of his moments fell flat as a pancake.
Some truly dodgy wigs aside, it looks pretty good.


However there is still much to enjoy here , and I wish it well! I wouldn't be surprised to see this win Best New musical at the Oliviers.

I believe there was clapping in Bath between the end of Emma's bit and the duet ending to Mountains. I felt it was out of place as the cast hadn't stopped in anticipation of applause. Whilst I agree she probably deserves some applause, it would feel odd to me applauding at that point when the song hasn't really reached a conclusion.

WoS - 4 stars

I have a spare slot for my April visit to London, and am debating whether to see this or CURIOUS INCIDENT. Any opinions?

Definitely go see this. As Mr Wally said curious isn't going anywhere.

God

I wonder how long before this closes

Worst (so far) is 2* from Fiona Mountford in Evening Standard, who said "how dispiriting it is to see a West End stage in 2016 filled with topless women". One thinks she missed the point entirely. It's about embracing the beauty of the women. Not to mention, the show itself is not set in 2016, and these were real-life events. Did she also not like the film for the same reason? Wonder if she made any comments about the male rear on display! (Phantom, you beat me on this one!)

Otherwise:

3* Telegraph
4* The Stage
4* What's On Stage
4* The Times

From online blogs/publications:


3 1/2* Reviews Hub

4* West End Frame



I would say that's a very respectful set of reviews for a new British musical, which will hopefully see it run to the end of its limited season. We're all well aware that the reviews not as good as Bend It Like Beckham.