It is not often a play is headed by four leading ladies, which makes Handbagged such a refreshing experience.
Nominated for Best New Comedy at the Olivier Awards this year, the play presents us with an idea of meetings between Margaret Thatcher and The Queen.
It’s the lack of real facts about these meetings which allows playwright Moira Buffini to let loose and imagine what they would be like.
Full credit has to go to all four performers who tread the line between imitators and character superbly. I forgot I was watching actors, instead seeing double Queens and double Thatchers – a nightmare for some – but it was a triumphant performance.
It’s clear: the more politically aware will get the most out of this show.
The comedy comes thick and fast, although if you have only limited knowledge about Margaret Thatcher, some of the jokes may pass you by.
It doesn’t just have these two at loggerheads all the time: there are a few moments when they reflect on decisions they have made, and people they have lost.
It’s tender moments like these that are a lovely breath of fresh air amid the comedy.
All four women play their roles excellently, but special mention has to go to Susie Blake who received the lion’s share of the belly laughs for her wonderfully delivered punchlines and portrayal of the Queen.
As with most plays that started as an hour long, and stretched to full length, it could have had 20 minutes of padding easily removed.
But Buffini’s clever dramatisation and staging presents the funniest possible version of the meetings between these two powerhouses.
