London, 1937. A newly widowed, wealthy and influential lady (Judi Dench) who needs to occupy her time, decides to buy an old London theater with the help of a shrewd manager (Bob Hoskins). He also hires Vivian Van Damm, an expert in show business, who is baffled by Mrs. Henderson's eccentric and impolite ways. Van Damm goes so far as to ban her from rehearsals due to her continued interference, but she disguises herself to spy on him. This love-hate relationship will produce a historic renewal in British theater. Van Damm's idea of running the theater all day is so successful that other theaters copy it. (FILMAFFINITY)