Mrs Henderson Presents is a 2005 British comedy film directed by Stephen Frears. It stars Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins, Kelly Reilly, and Will Young in his acting debut. The film is based on the true story of the Windmill Theatre in London. Eccentric 70-year-old widow Mrs Laura Henderson purchases it as a post-widowhood hobby, and appoints autocratic manager Vivian Van Damm. In 1937 they start a continuous variety review called "Revudeville," but after other theatres in London copy this innovation, they begin to lose money. Mrs Henderson suggests they add female nudity similar to the Moulin Rouge... in Paris. This is unprecedented in the United Kingdom. The Lord Chamberlain reluctantly allows this under the condition that the nude performers do not move so it can be considered art, the equivalent of nude statues in museums. Because the theatre's auditorium is below street level it is relatively safe during the bombing of London, and performances continue.
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| Release date: | November 25, 2005 |
| Directed by: | Stephen Frears |
| Rated: |  |
| Runtime: | 103 Minutes |
| Producer: | Norma Heyman, Bob Hoskins |
| Music by: | George Fenton |
| Cinematography: | Andrew Dunn |
| Screenplay by: | Martin Sherman |
| Genre: | Comedy |