Mrs Henderson Presents… The Musical

The Kiln Theatre in North London has appointed Jessica Mensah as their new Kiln-Mackintosh Resident Assistant Director. This new role will see Mensah joining the Artistic Team, working as Assistant Director across productions and supporting the Creative Engagement programme. Mensah will begin as Assistant Director on the upcoming Kiln run of The Wife of Willesden, opening 20 December. Based in Brent, Mensah trained through directing programmes at the Young Vic and tiata fahodzi, after completing a year-long placement from 2017-18 at Kiln Theatre within the Creative Learning department. Her directing credits include work for Lyric Hammersmith, Soho Theatre, RADA and Talawa. She was also the previous Chair for Purple Moon Drama’s Digital Youth Board, a Trustee for Metroland Culture, and worked extensively to support arts and culture in Brent throughout its run as London’s Borough of Culture 2020. Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham today said, “I am thrilled to be welcoming Jessica Mensah as our Kiln-Mackintosh Resident Assistant Director. The need for our industry to create opportunities for emerging freelancers has never been greater. And the huge number of applications we received underlines the need for roles such as this which provide secure employment and training to those who will be the future of British theatre. We could not have offered this position without the incredible generosity of the Mackintosh Foundation. Jessica is a Brent local who has tirelessly demonstrated a passion and drive to be a theatre director. We are all looking forward to working with her and supporting her talent and development during her time at Kiln and beyond.” Jessica Mensah added, “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to work at my local theatre. I look forward to the growth in my directing practice that will take place over the next year, and I am excited to work with both Kiln Theatre and Mackintosh Foundation, as well as learn from and contribute to Kiln’s mission as a theatre.” Current and upcoming productions at the Kiln Theatre include Reasons You Should(nt) Love Me (until 29 Nov) and The Wife of Willesden (14 December 2022 – 28 January 2023). Book tickets to Reasons You Should(nt) Love Me Book tickets to The Wife of Willesden

Jamie Foreman joins the cast of the forthcoming West End transfer of Mrs Henderson Presents. Foreman who is best known for playing Derek Branning in EastEnders will join the previously announced Tracie Bennett, Ian Bartholomew and Emma Williams. Also joining the cast are Robert Hands, Matthew Malthouse, Samuel Holmes, Katie Bernstein, Lizzy Connolly, Lauren Hood and Liz Ewing. The rest of the company includes Sarah Bakker, Andrew Bryant, Rhiannon Chesterman, Alexander Delamere, Emily Goodenough, Victoria Hay, Oliver Jackson, Ian Gareth Jones, Katrina Kleve, Lauren Logan, Tania Newton, Sam O’Rourke, Neil Stewart and Dickie Wood. Based on the film Mrs Henderson Presents, the musical has a book and is directed by Terry Johnson, with lyrics by Don Black and music by George Fenton and Simon Chamberlain. Choreographey is by Andrew Wright, Set Design by Tim Shortall, Costume Design by Paul Wills, Lighting Design by Ben Ormerod and Sound Design by Gareth Owen. Mrs Henderson Presents transfers from a sell-out run at Theatre Royal Bath to the West End, playing from 9 February 2016 until 18 June 2016 at the Noel Coward Theatre. BOOKING Book tickets to Mrs Henderson Presents

Mrs Henderson Presents a new British musical is to transfer to the West End's Noel Coward Theatre this Winter. Following a successful try-out at the Theatre Royal Bath earlier this year, the production will open for a limited run from 9 February 2016 at the Noel Coward Theatre. Starring Olivier-Award winning actress Tracie Bennett and Emma Williams, Mrs Henderson Presents is based on the BAFTA and Oscar winning British movie by Stephen Frears which starred Judi Dench as Laura Henderson, the late Bob Hoskins as Vivian Van Damm, Will Young as Bertie and Kelly Reilly as Maureen. Directed by Terry Johnson, the Theatre Royal Bath production was a 5-star hit with the critics, selling out its short run. Full casting is yet to be announced.   BOOKING Book tickets to Mrs Henderson Presents

Olivier-Award winning actress Tracie Bennett and Emma Williams star in Mrs Henderson Presents....The Musical at the Theatre Royal Bath. With only 3 post opening performances scheduled this production is undoubtedly being tested for a future in the West End. Mrs Henderson Presents...The Musical is based on the BAFTA and Oscar winning British movie by Stephen Frears which starred Judi Dench as Laura Henderson, the late Bob Hoskins as Vivian Van Damm, Will Young as Bertie and Kelly Reilly as Maureen. The show is directed by Terry Johnson (La Cage Aux Folles) and features music by George Fenton – who composed the music for the film – and Simon Chamberlain, lyrics by Don Black and a book by Terry Johnson adapted from Martin Sherman’s screenplay. Choreography will be by Andrew Wright (Barnum, Singin’ in the Rain), with set design by Tom Shortall, costume design by Paul Wills (American Buffalo, Barnum), lighting design by Ben Ormerod and sound design by Gareth Owen. Mrs Henderson Presents played a strictly limited season from 14 August 2015 until 5 September 2015 at Theatre Royal Bath. The critics have been particularly enamoured with the production though no doubt any future West End transfer will see a few tweaks to the show and possibly casting. Here’s what the critics thought. UPDATE 9/10/15: Mrs Henderson Presents will transfer to the West End for a limited run in February 2016 at the Noel Coward Theatre. BOOKING Book tickets for Mrs Henderson Presents at the Noel Coward Theatre

Hit film Mrs Henderson Presents set to be turned into London stage musical Another hit British musical is to be turned into a West End musical! Hot on the heals of a new stage play of Shakespeare in Love, which opens this summer, and forthcoming musical adaptation of Made in Dagenham, UK movie Mrs Henderson Presents is set for a stage version. Elton John's former manager John Reid has recruited Stephen Ward lyricist Don Black to work on the show. The movie starred Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins and Will Young. Source: Daily Telegraph (11 June 2014) BOOKING Book tickets to Mrs Henderson Presents at the Noel Coward Theatre