Trivia / Mrs Henderson Presents

• Actor-Inspired Element: Both Bob Hoskins and Dame Judi Dench suggested Stephen Frears as director.
• No Stunt Double: Dame Judi Dench did Mrs Henderson's incognito dance in the polar bear suit by herself.
• Queer Character, Queer Actor: Will Young, who is openly gay, plays Bertie (who is implied to be gay).
• Separated-at-Birth Casting: Bob Hoskins remarked that, before filming began, there was a party that many former Windmill Theatre girls attended - and many of them seemed like older versions of the actors playing them.
• Stunt Casting: Pop star Will Young - winner of the first season of Pop Idol - in a supporting role as the performer Bertie.
• Throw It In!:
  • The Lord Chamberlain's Unusual Euphemism of the groin ("midlands") was added in after Stephen Frears discovered that John Gielgud called it that.
  • Dame Judi Dench was so nervous about memorizing her speeches (despite being assured they would edit any mistakes). During the sherry sipping party right before the theatre opens, Thelma Barlow prompted her twice (with the lines "bread line" and "employment") - and Stephen Frears found it so funny he left it in the film.
• What Could Have Been: Celia Imrie almost got cast as Lady Conway. Stephen Frears decided she was too young for the part, and cast Thelma Barlow instead.

---