Review: HANDBAGGED by Stagecraft

Director: Mary Coffey  Lighting design and operation: Sarah Arndt

An outstanding play performed by an outstanding cast

Handbagged is a play by British playwright Moira Buffini that delves into the intriguing relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher, the British Prime Minister between 1979 and 1990. The title itself is a nod to Thatcher's handbag , which became a symbol of her power and influence during her tenure.

The play originated as a one-act piece in 2010 and later, an extended version premiered in October 2013 and in April 2014 transferred to London’s West End, specifically the Vaudeville Theatre, where it ran until August 2014.

Having read the synopsis, I expected to enjoy this production. From the first words spoken by Amy Whiterod as the older Margaret Thatcher, I was hooked and hung on every word. 

Much like Persuasion, that used a younger Anne Elliot together with a more adult one, this play shows a younger Thatcher (Joanne Lisik) beside the older version (Amy Whiterod), and a younger queen (Meredith Dooley) with an elder version (Gillian Boyes) by her side.

It begins with the first meeting of Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth following Thatchers election as Prime Minister and shows conversations throughout their regular meetings from Thatcher becoming PM to when she was forced to resign.

Rio Futschek Ryan and Andrew Goddard rounded out this cast and were fabulous playing all the male characters from Dennis Thatcher to Ronald Regan, with Rio also donning a dress and playing Nancy Regan.

I saw a professional show at Circa the previous night, and the talent on display here was their equal in every respect.  

The Thatcher Era began in 1979 and ran through until 1990. Throughout those years, many significant world events happened and being a baby boomer, I can remember all the historical names, though not what they all represented.

This was a joyous ride through recent history and anyone with an interest in politics and world events will recognise much that is portrayed.

This is not a boring list of facts though, it is liberally sprinkled with humour and there are regular times when the fourth wall is broken. I was laughing regularly throughout the 2 hour run time.

Costuming was impeccible, with Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth looking almost picture perfect and the voices that all of the cast used rang true. 

The set was simple but effective with great detail paid to the props, especially when tea was served.

The play ended to rapturous applause by the audience with many saying they would like to go again. If you want to see this production, it would pay to snap those tickets up as soon as you can to avoid being disappointed. This is a fine production.

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