Mrs Henderson Presents (2005)

The true story of the well-to-do widow who bought a theatre and introduced nudity to future fleshpot Soho should surely be a gleeful romp, but somehow Mrs Henderson Presents becomes a stale history lesson. Dame Judi Dench plays the eponymous patron with trademark poise and grace but is sorely let down both by producer/co-star Bob Hoskins, who fails to either maintain his accent or ignite any chemistry, and sleepwalking director Stephen Frears. Still, Joker-mouthed crooner Will Young is surprisingly passable as a foppish performer who bares all to persuade the chorus line to do the same.

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