Mrs. Henderson is based on a true story set in London in the 1930's. Laura Henderson (Judi Dench) has recently become a widow. Laura is 69 but far too energetic to settle for a quiet widow's life of needle work and occasional charity events. She is wealthy and connected and much to her friends surprise she decides to buy a dilapidated theatre in Soho.

Mrs. Henderson Presents shows Laura appointing Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins) as the manager of her rundown Windmill Theatre. Van Damm is also surprised by her veracity and eccentricities. This opposing duo make a success of Windmill Theatre. Van Damm introduces Revuedeville or non-stop entertainment. Crowds flock to Soho to enjoy performances until other theatres copy it.

Laura comes up with their second marketing plan. Gathering ideas from France she proposes to produce a Moulin-Rouge type production with naked ladies. She brilliantly coerces the Lord Chamberlain, the censor to grant the theatre a license. The agreement is strict, the naked ladies must remain still thus imitating art.

The second makeover of Windmill Theatre in Mrs Henderson Presents brings sell-out audiences. The theatre is packed with every walk of life from British families to men going off to fight in the war. The bombing of London begins and all the theatres in London excluding the Windmill close.

Directors Frears and Sherman have produced a lively exploration of London life in the late 30's in Mrs.Henderson Presents.

Mrs. Henderson Presents opens on Friday, 25th November.
Cert:15A