Comic Lenny Henry cosies up to girlfriend Lisa Makin at Emilia launch

By Laura Fox For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Lenny Henry was the picture of happiness with girlfriend Lisa Makin on Thursday, as they attended the launch bash for Emilia's West End transfer in London.

The legendary comic, 60, beamed as he cosied up to his partner, who he has been with for eight years after his split from ex-wife, Dawn French.

Lenny and Dawn split in 2010 after 25 years of marriage, and the following year it was revealed that he was dating theatre mogul Lisa.

Happy: Lenny Henry was the picture of happiness with girlfriend Lisa Makin on Thursday, as they attended the launch bash for Emilia's West End transfer in London

Happy: Lenny Henry was the picture of happiness with girlfriend Lisa Makin on Thursday, as they attended the launch bash for Emilia's West End transfer in London

Flashing his signature grin, Lenny beamed as he cosied up to his long-term partner, who similarly smiled as she sported a statement red lip for the occasion.

Lisa looks bares a resemblance to Dawn, thanks to their similar brunette bobbed tresses. 

The legendary actor recently made a return to the charity he helped found three decades earlier, as he co-presented the 2019 Comic Relief telethon last week. 

Freaky: The legendary comic, 60, beamed as he cosied up to his partner, who bears a resemblance to his ex-wife Dawn French

Freaky: The legendary comic, 60, beamed as he cosied up to his partner, who bears a resemblance to his ex-wife Dawn French

Twins: Lisa sports the same signature bob as legendary actress Dawn, who divorced Lenny in 2010 after 25 years of marriage (above in 2009)

Twins: Lisa sports the same signature bob as legendary actress Dawn, who divorced Lenny in 2010 after 25 years of marriage (above in 2009)

Bright: Among the other stars who were seen arriving for the theatre bash was 80s icon Sinitta, who made a bold statement in a fuchsia pink silk blouse

Bright: Among the other stars who were seen arriving for the theatre bash was 80s icon Sinitta, who made a bold statement in a fuchsia pink silk blouse

Pretty: The former X Factor regular even sported a statement bright pink lip to match her top

Pretty: The former X Factor regular even sported a statement bright pink lip to match her top

Statement: Sinitta styled her dark tresses into a mass of dramatic curls as she arrived for the launch bash

Statement: Sinitta styled her dark tresses into a mass of dramatic curls as she arrived for the launch bash

Lenny and Dawn split in 2010 after 25 years of marriage, though it was reported at the time they had secretly separated months earlier.

The couple also share adopted son Billie, and Dawn went onto marry charity boss Mark Bignell in 2013. 

Among the other stars who were seen arriving for the theatre bash was 80s icon Sinitta, who made a bold statement in a fuchsia pink silk blouse.

The former I'm A Celebrity star stood out in the brightly coloured top as her dark tresses were styled into a mass of curls. 

Mrs and Mrs: Bake Off presenter Sandi Toksbig was joined by her wife Debbie for the party

Mrs and Mrs: Bake Off presenter Sandi Toksbig was joined by her wife Debbie for the party

Beaming: QI mainstay Alan Davies posed with Cora Kirk, who features in the ensemble of the play

Beaming: QI mainstay Alan Davies posed with Cora Kirk, who features in the ensemble of the play

Besties: Meera Syal also posed for snaps with Jackie Clune, who also features in the play upon its move to the West End

Besties: Meera Syal also posed for snaps with Jackie Clune, who also features in the play upon its move to the West End

Rocker chic: The legendary actress cut a stylish figure in an embroidered leather jacket

Rocker chic: The legendary actress cut a stylish figure in an embroidered leather jacket

Couples night: Mark Rylance cosied up to his wife Claire Van Campen as they arrived for the launch bash

Couples night: Mark Rylance cosied up to his wife Claire Van Campen as they arrived for the launch bash

The stars were out in force as the play Emilia made it's transition to the West End, as it tells the tale of forgotten poet Emilia Bassano.

An official synopsis for the play reads: '400 years ago Emilia Bassano wanted her voice to be heard. It wasn’t. Could she have been the “Dark Lady” of Shakespeare’s sonnets? What of her own poems? Why was her story erased from history?

'Emilia and her sisters reach out to us across the centuries with passion, fury, laughter and song. Listen to them. Let them inspire and unite us.' 

Stars: Michele Dotrice and Emily Woodward were also in attendance for the launch party in the heart of the capital

Stars: Michele Dotrice and Emily Woodward were also in attendance for the launch party in the heart of the capital

Vintage: Racky Plews and Jessica Plews - who features in the play - also partied up a storm at the bash

Vintage: Racky Plews and Jessica Plews - who features in the play - also partied up a storm at the bash

Rubbing shoulders: Samantha Spiro, Nica Burns - Emilia's Producer - and Shobna Gulati also enjoyed some fun at the bash

Rubbing shoulders: Samantha Spiro, Nica Burns - Emilia's Producer - and Shobna Gulati also enjoyed some fun at the bash

Dawn FrenchSir Lenny HenryLondon

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