Handbagged review, Tricycle Theatre

Sometimes, when the performances in a piece are really good, the content doesn't much matter. It's like being in a Porsche where you're so close to the ground you feel every bump and the noise of the engine makes conversation impossible, but the ride's such fun you don't mind. So it is with Handbagged, Moira Buffini's cleverly constructed and amusing play charting the relationship between the Queen and Mrs Thatcher during the Tory leader's thirteen years in power.

Double trouble

Buffini doubles up the characters to showcase a tension that is as much social as political. While the Queen's achievements are a function of her birthright, Thatcher's were hard won, consolidating a view that compromise was a form of failure. On stage we have the younger Queen and Mrs Thatcher living the moment, while the older Queen and Mrs Thatcher watch and reflect on events. Fenella Woolgar as the early Mrs T is fabulous: she has the shiny hair, the sky blue suit, the cocked head and that voice. It is the older pairing, however, who provide the comedy and pathos - Stella Gonet, slightly surprised and unsettled, a Mrs Thatcher heading towards Alzheimers, and Marion Bailey, thick set and comically expressive as Her Older Majesty.

This isn't, however, a profound piece reflecting on Mrs Thatcher's legacy or the role of the Monarch. It's an upbeat timeline showing two powerful women of the same age and with competing up-dos, finessing each other.  They are off set by Jeff Rawle and Neet Mohan variously taking on the roles of Denis Thatcher, Prince Philip, assorted staff, the Reagans and Neil Kinnock. These are not the best of representations, but that's part of the in-joke running through the play.

In conclusion: Director, Indhu Rubasingham, extracts the humour with a practiced hand.  My 82-year-old companion, who was a great fan of the Iron Lady, remained wide awake and chortling across the whole two hours. Those who are admiring, but not fans, may have found their thoughts wandering while still smiling.


References
Tricycle Theatre, Tickets

Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7JR.     Run ends 16 November