Henshall may be playing a faded star, but she’s still the commanding presence of this show. Just when you think it’s all getting a bit silly, then strikes up the classic Lullaby of Broadway, or Henshall singing the a cappella opening of I Only Have Eyes for You, and silly turns sublime. It’s those songs – along with the motoring rhythms of Bill Deamer’s choreography – that really drive the show. The plot, well, what does it matter, but there’s a make-or-break opening, ageing star Dorothy Brock (Ruthie Henshall) juggling the sugar daddy bankrolling her career and her true love, a few unnecessary misunderstandings, fabulous hoofing and a glut of excellent songs by Harry Warren and Al Dubin. Ruthie Henshall (Dorothy Brock) in 42nd Street.
