Big Interview: Katie Bernstein

Katie Bernstein is currently playing Peggy in Mrs Henderson Presents at the Noel Coward Theatre, having originated the role last year at the Theatre Royal Bath. 

Her theatre credits include: Little Becky Two Shoes in Urinetown (St James/West End), Isobel in Payback (Riverside Studios), understudy Mimi/Maureen in Rent (UK tour), Nancy in Run (Polka), Pilar in Goodbye Barcelona (Arcola), Godspell (Manchester Palace) and Helen Shapiro in 20th Century Boy (New Wolsey). 

In addition, Katie regularly works as a session singer. She previously supported Katie Melua at BBC Proms in the Park and performed backing vocals for Belgium at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

I recently sat down with Katie to discuss what it’s like to take on a new musical, how audiences have been responding to Mrs Henderson Presents and what everyone’s like to work with. We also discussed Urinetown, playing Amy Winehouse in a musical and how she fell into musical theatre…

Mrs Henderson Presents is such a beautiful new British musical! How much did you know about it at first?

Well we weren’t actually sent that much material, so I went into it quite blind. I had seen the film and knew the premise of the story so knew it would have a comic element to it. I knew it had heart because of how British it is. I just had to read one or two scenes and didn’t know any of the music – I sang my own song when I auditioned. I just went with it!

Mrs Henderson Presents confirms closing date

It has been confirmed that Mrs Henderson Presents will close at the end of its limited run at the Noel Coward Theatre, playing its final performance on 18th June 2016.

The new British musical opened in the West End in February following its premiere at the Theatre Royal Bath last year.

The cast includes Tracie Bennett as ‘Laura Henderson’, Ian Bartholomew as ‘Vivian Van Damm’ and Emma Williams as ‘Maureen’ with Jamie Foreman as ‘Arthur’, Robert Hands as ‘Cromer’, Matthew Malthouse as ‘Eddie’, Samuel Holmes as ‘Bertie’, Katie Bernstein as ‘Peggy’, Lizzy Connolly as ‘Doris’, Lauren Hood as ‘Vera’ and Liz Ewing as Lady Conway. 

February's theatrical round-up

Star of the Month Emma Williams It is an utter joy to see Emma Williams back in the West End, starring in charming new British musical Mrs Henderson Presents. Williams' performance is endearing, feisty and incredibly brave. Her voice is stronger than ever - in the second act Williams' vocals gloriously soar as she belts out 'If Mountains Were Easy To Climb'. Mrs Henderson Presents is Williams' show, and as far as I'm concerned she should be nominated in the Leading Actress in a Musical category for this year's Olivier Awards. Read our previous interview with Emma Williams.

Show of the Month Nell Gwynn Jessica Swale’s new play Nell Gwynn, which has transferred to the West End following a short season at the Globe, is an absolute must see - I had the most joyously incredible evening seeing the piece for the first time. Telling an interesting part of forgotten theatrical history, Gemma Arterton is perfectly cast in the title role and is joined by a stellar ensemble - all of whom give stand out performances. Director Christopher Luscombe and Swale have worked together impeccably well. Nell Gwynn is outstanding. Read our ★★★★★ review of Nell Gwynn.

Review: Mrs Henderson Presents at the Noel Coward Theatre

Mrs Henderson Presents
Noel Coward Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 12th February 2016
★★★★

Mrs Henderson Presents is a charming new British musical. Adapted from the 2005 film starring Judi Dench, the show - which is written by Terry Johnson, Don Black, George Fenton and Simon Chamberlain - oozes with heart. 

Tracie Bennett stars as widowed Laura Henderson who takes on an old cinema on Great Windmill Street and turns it into a variety club during the thirties. With war looming and box office sales falling, Mrs Henderson decides that (as the poster says) "for the show to go on, the clothes must come off".

The opening scenes are brilliant; the small ensemble immediately bring life and soul to the stage whilst Bennett's presence, along with Andrew Wright's choreography, provides some old school pizazz. Interestingly I took my seat knowing absolutely nothing about the story which sees four women being persuaded to become 'The Windmill Girls' who pose as nude statues for sold out crowds. Director Terry Johnson has fun teasing his audience, the first scene involving nudity (male as well as female) is superbly staged and received an uproarious response.

Big Interview: Andrew Wright

Andrew Wright is a leading West End choreographer. 

His latest West End show Mrs Henderson Presents officially opens at the Noel Coward Theatre tonight (16th February), having premiered at the Theatre Royal Bath last year.

Also running in the West End is Guys & Dolls; the show is currently playing the Savoy Theatre before transferring to the Phoenix Theatre and launching a UK tour. Later this year Andrew will choreograph Half A Sixpence for Cameron Mackintosh at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

One of Andrew’s most triumphant productions is Singin’ In The Rain which transferred to the West End following its premiere in Chichester, winning him the 2013 WhatsOnStage Award for Best Choreographer. The musical has since toured the UK, Japan, Asia, Russia and Australia.

Just a few of Andrew’s extensive choreography credits include: Oliver! (Curve), Barnum (Chichester/UK tour), 42nd Street (Chichester/Curve), The Showgirl Within (Garrick), Almost Like Being In Love (National), Stepping Out (Salisbury), Once Upon A Time At The Adelphi (Liverpool/Union/Trafalgar Studios), The Critic/The Real Inspector Hound (Chichester), A Little Night Music In Concert (Palace) and Follies In Concert (Royal Albert Hall) as well as the UK tours of High Society, Wonderful Town, Betty Blue Eyes and Saturday Night Fever.

In addition he directed and choreographed the UK premiere of Happy Days (UK tour) and was assistant director and co-choreographer for Chess in Concert (Royal Albert Hall) starring Josh Groban, Kerry Ellis and Idina Menzel. 

Andrew began his career as a performer, his credits include: Scrooge (Palladium), Mary Poppins (Prince Edward), Anything Goes (Drury Lane), Cats (New London), Follies (Festival Hall), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Dominion/UK tour), La Cava (Piccadilly), Mack & Mabel (Piccadilly), Oliver! (Sadler’s Wells) and A Chorus Line (Derby Playhouse/UK tour).

I recently spoke to Andrew about bringing Mrs Henderson Presents to London, how Cameroon Mackintosh asked him to choreograph Half A Sixpence and his big break, plus much more…

You’re currently busy working on Mrs Henderson Presents which has transferred to the West End following its premiere in Bath. What initially drew you to the show?

I’ve always wanted to work with Terry Johnson (book/director) because I love his work - La Cage aux Folles was brilliant! I met with Terry, he talked about what he wanted to do with the show and I was excited by it. I loved the film and was excited to be a part of a new musical.

Full casting announced for Mrs Henderson Presents

Full casting has been announced for the West End transfer of new British musical Mrs Henderson Presents.

The show opens at the Noel Coward Theatre on 16th February 2016 (previews from 9th February).

Joining the previously announced Tracie Bennett as ‘Laura Henderson’, Ian Bartholomew as ‘Vivian Van Damm’ and Emma Williams as ‘Maureen’ will be Jamie Foreman as ‘Arthur’, Robert Hands as ‘Cromer’, Matthew Malthouse as ‘Eddie’, Samuel Holmes as ‘Bertie’, Katie Bernstein as ‘Peggy’, Lizzy Connolly as ‘Doris’, Lauren Hood as ‘Vera’ and Liz Ewing as Lady Conway. 

Mrs Henderson Presents transferring to the West End

Following its premiere in Bath, Mrs Henderson Presents will transfer to the West End next year.

The show is set to open at the Noel Coward Theatre on 16th February (previews from 9th February) for a limited run until 18th June 2016. 

Reprising their performances are Tracie Bennett (Hairspray/End Of The Rainbow) as Laura Henderson, Ian Bartholomew (Into the Woods/The Power of Yes) as Vivian Van Damm and Emma Williams (Love Story/Annie Get Your Gun) as Maureen

The new musical has book by Terry Johnson who also directs the production. Lyrics are by Don Black with music by George Fenton and Simon Chamberlain. The musical is based on the film starring Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins.

Tracie Bennett replaces Janie Dee in Mrs Henderson Presents; full casting announced

Tracie Bennett has replaced the previously announced Janie Dee in Mrs Henderson Presents. Dee has withdrawn from the production due to "personal reasons".

The production runs between 14th August and 5th September 2015 at the Theatre Royal Bath. The new musical has book by Terry Johnson who will also direct the production. Lyrics are by Don Black with music by George Fenton and Simon Chamberlain.

The cast includes: Emma Williams, Sarah Bakker, Katie Bernstein, Rhiannan Chesterman, Lizzy Connolly, Victoria Hay, Samuel Holmes, Lauren Hood and Matthew Malthouse.

CONFIRMED: Janie Dee & Emma Williams to star in Mrs Henderson Presents

It has been confirmed that Janie Dee (Blithe Spirit/Hello Dolly!) and Emma Williams (White Christmas/Annie Get Your Gun) will star in Mrs Henderson Presents at the Theatre Royal Bath. Dee has been cast in the title role whilst Williams is set to star as Maureen.

The production runs between 14th August and 5th September 2015. The new musical has book by Terry Johnson who will also direct the production. Lyrics are by Don Black with music by George Fenton and Simon Chamberlain.

UPDATED: The cast will also include Sarah Bakker, Katie Bernstein, Rhiannan Chesterman, Lizzy Connolly, Victoria Hay, Samuel Holmes, Lauren Hood and Matthew Malthouse.

CONFIRMED: Mrs Henderson Presents to be staged at the Theatre Royal Bath next year

Following yesterday’s gossip, it has now been confirmed that the world premiere of Mrs Henderson Presents will be staged at the Theatre Royal Bath next year. The production runs between 14th August and 5th September 2015.

The musical has book by Terry Johnson who will also direct the production. Lyrics are by Don Black with music by George Fenton and Simon Chamberlain. 

GOSSIP: Theatre Royal Bath to stage musical adaptation of Mrs Henderson Presents?

The Stage have exclusively announced that Terry Johnson will direct a musical adaptation of Mrs Henderson Presents next year.

Based on the 2005 film, the show is set to open at the Theatre Royal Bath next year. Music is by George Fenton with lyrics by Don Black.