Christopher Guest has joinedJudi Dench, Bob Hoskins and Pop Idol winner Will Young in the cast of StephenFrears' Mrs Henderson Presents.

The Heyman-Hoskinsproduction has just started shooting in London for Pathe Pictures and BBCFilms. Set in pre-World War II London, the true-life story tells how Soho'sWindmill Theatre takes advantage of a legal loophole which permitted it to shownude models on stage - provided they didn't move a muscle.

Guest is the LordChamberlain, Lord Cromer, who bows to the persuasive ways of the theatre'sfounder, Mrs Laura Henderson. Rounding out the cast, which sees Dench playHenderson and Hoskins her theatre manager, are Thelma Barlow as Lady Conway,Henderson's closest society friend, and Kelly Reilly, whose credits include The Libertine and Pride And Prejudice.

Young will take the role ofBertie, the Windmill's star performer, while Irish actress and singer CamilleO'Sullivan also has a part in the music and dance-packed film. Composer GeorgeFenton, who has received five Academy Award nominations, will recreate some ofthe great songs of the late 30s and 40s, as well as compose the original score.

The production reunitesFrears with his Dangerous Liaisonsproducer Norma Heyman. The screenplay is by Martin Sherman, with Hoskins andDavid Aukin executive producing.

"The screenplay of Mrs Henderson Presents provides aperfect blend of humour and emotion," said Francois Ivernel, managing directorof Pathe UK. "No one other than Stephen Frears could do justice to thismaterial."

David Thompson, head of BBCFilms, added: "This is a fresh, funny, wicked script - and moving too. Itthrows a spotlight on a fascinating story that has never been fully told."

Topics