Handbagged - play review

What do you get when two of Britain’s most renowned female leaders are put in the same room? A raucously ridiculous comedy of course! Moira Buffini's Handbagged is doing just that on its current UK tour, as the late great Queen Elizabeth II and the infamous Iron Lady herself, Margaret Thatcher, decide whether they can park their controversiality and see eye to eye when left to themselves in the palace. The nature of an intense relationship unfolds rapidly, exploring all facets of the legacies they have both left behind.

As a line in the script suggests, one person's history is another's lived experience. Regardless of whether you existed through the turbulent decades of the Thatcher era or approach this piece with a fresh look, you will certainly leave having learnt something new: not necessarily the angle you may expect from a show rooted in satire. However, it is impossible to reflect upon such times without an air of truth to contextualise the thought-provoking dialogue. Given that the political divide is still very much raging across Britain, as no doubt it will continue to be going forwards, it is fascinating to unpick these notions (and the many similarities that remain) as they are discussed. Simultaneously, the view of royalism and its changes with the times is an equally divisive topic, thus making for an audience curious to see how it is portrayed. Since both parties involved have now passed away, the shift in perspective from its London premiere in 2013 is certainly more detatched from personal opinions than it would've been. That being said, it's sure to still evoke conversation.

Entering with the direct sense of purpose she always has done, Margaret Thatcher - played by Morag Cross - makes an impressionable entrance. Then, gracing the stage as the Queen, Sarah Moyle immediately embodies that counteracting strength of a woman in power. While Thatcher never shyed away from sharing her views, the Head of State rarely had the opportunity to speak out. Younger images of them both (Emma Ernest as 'Mags' and Helen Reuben as 'Liz' respectively) begin retelling the narrative from their first meeting. Although notably tongue-in-cheek, the littering of accurate quotes and recollection of events blends that element of contemplation at the past of our country with funny quips. One hated society; the other had to promote it. Whether desperately trying to find common ground or attempting to understand polarised outlooks, ultimately, they were both world icons trying to hold Britain together against adversity (and if they made the correct decisions while doing so will forever be a debate for contention).

Although the Queen was often forced to remain reserved, her fiestiness appears in combat, with political ping pong being played between the pair. A relatively blank set besides the giant coin overhead - said to illustrate the monarch representing one side, while the government is the other - is filled with the bouncing chat, without a quiet moment in their company. While largely amusing in nature and including several 4th wall breaks too, there is contrastingly mentions of uncomfortable themes: the wars, racism, riots, and homophobia to name just a few. Often glossed over by those responsible for the decision-making, Cassius Konneh, playing a mirage of characters to fill the gaps, steps forward on occasion to highlight the issues himself, often met with dismay. Dennis Herdman also lends a hand (bag) by becoming a selection of other relevant people, from Thatcher's husband, Denis, to Ronald Reagan, to media giant, Rupert Murdoch.

In a creative whirlwind of historical storytelling and wit, Moira's writer visionary is understood. However, if you are seeking a more flashy production, this one may not be the one for you. The jokes are intellectually laden on the most part, besides a few blatant distractions from the plot pacing (though with a core cast of four intense roles in a 2.5 hour show, it is undeniably fair), making it an interesting piece to get into. You'll have to see it for yourself to find out if such a pair could ever have a friendly bond. Handbagged is a well-casted performance with undertones to spark as much discussion as laughter.

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