Handbagged

by Moira Buffini

Handbagged had 4 performances over 6 years ago (between the 25th of July 2018 and the 28th of July 2018) at The Riverhouse Barn

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184th production. When Maggie met the Queen - Tea at Four - Handbags at dawn - Two strong ladies; one believed there was no such thing as society, The other had vowed to serve it. Two icons; one destined to rule, the other to lead. Two women of different backgrounds but similar ages, both shaped by fathers they adored.

THE PLAY Has recently been released for Amateurs This funny, insightful and brilliantly-written sharp satire was nominated for an Olivier award for best new comedy in 2015 and went on to become a West End success.

Moira Buffini’s highly original comedy looks behind the closed doors of Buckingham Palace to speculate what really happened when two of the world’s most powerful women - Margaret Thatcher and the Queen - met for tea in the years between 1979 and 1990.

• This playful, intelligent speculation is at times comic at others sad. • It is written with wit and irreverence and is effervescent with humour & energy. • It is a fresh, exciting piece of Theatre which should be performed with knockabout glee. • Many of the major events in British politics in the eighties and nineties are touched upon but it is anything but dry history. • It blurs time lines, cleverly interweaves political events with humour, and reveals the humanity of two strong women. • There are constant gear changes as the action veers from slapstick to moments of poignancy and pathos. • Both women are instantly recognisable in every aspect of their appearance, mannerisms and politics. It brings out the clash of personality, politics and power wonderfully. • A simple dramatic setting allows for a sense of intimacy with the audience whilst their older selves watch over them like hawks correcting and embellishing the action as it goes along.

The older monarch Q sits in judgement on her younger self. Whilst the older Thatcher T looks back on the woman that she once was. Loved or loathed, respected or reviled both women must be instantly recognised by every aspect of their appearance, mannerisms and vocal nuances.

Two men periodically get to comment on the way the show is being handled and the many parts they are required to play. They both engage in a face-off about who is to play Neil Kinnock. They provide much of the slapstick humour which contrasts with the pathos in the play. Another Actor may play some of the other politicians.

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Cast
Backstage

	Q - Caroline Ross The older Queen Elizabeth 2nd is a fun-loving, dotty old lady who comments on her younger self, talks to the audience, and longs for the interval ~ she prefers horses to plays! She is anxious to keep the record clean. Her wry comments and comic contradictions of statements and events are highly amusing. She clutches her handbag in her white gloved hands, with a posture redolent of the present Queen as she meets the public.
	Liz - Jean Warner The young, naïve and sprightly Queen Elizabeth. Quietly determined with a strong sense of duty to her subjects and the Commonwealth. Well bred, well-mannered with a plummy voice and intonation. Her love of Balmoral, picnics and Polo is very evident.
	T - Linda Russell The older Margaret Thatcher who comments on her younger self. Single minded with strong convictions and an obsequious iron will. She often contradicts her young self with cynical asides. She has a manic imperiousness and is frostily well mannered She has a touching relationship with Dennis and reveals the humanity underneath the brash exterior.
	Mags - Sarah Slater A younger Margaret. Immaculate in her appearance and bursting with self-belief. She lectures the Queen with impeccable phrasing, a calm approach, a tilt of the head and a patronising breathy tone. Unlike the Queen she has no sense of humour. There is a pronounced difference in temperament with Liz. There is deep pathos when the Queen mourns the death of Lord Mountbatten and Margaret is involved in the Brighton bombings.
	Actor 1 - Nick Lund The other actors are required to show great versatility and comic humour as they portray many roles and address the audience. They require exuberance, energy, enthusiasm and spontaneity in their approach to a variety of roles. Their crack-pot playfulness enables them to portray 16 cameo roles. ACTOR 1. Playing: Palace Footman Kenneth Kaunder Nancy Reagan Michael Shea Neil Kinnock A Protester
	Actor 2 - Paul Foster The other actors are required to show great versatility and comic humour as they portray many roles and address the audience. They require exuberance, energy, enthusiasm and spontaneity in their approach to a variety of roles. Their crack-pot playfulness enables them to portray 16 cameo roles. ACTOR 2. Playing: Dennis Thatcher Peter Carrington Ronald Reagan Prince Phillip
	Actor 3 - Graham Collier The other actors are required to show great versatility and comic humour as they portray many roles and address the audience. They require exuberance, energy, enthusiasm and spontaneity in their approach to a variety of roles. Their crack-pot playfulness enables them to portray 16 cameo roles. ACTOR 3. Playing: Gerry Adams Enoch Powell Michael Heseltine Arthur Scargill Rupert Murdoch

	Director - Judith Dolley
	Set Design and Construction - John Godliman
	Stage Manager, Props and Assistant Scenic Artist - Liz Thomas
	Sound - Ian Santry
	Lighting Design and House Manager - Nigel Greenaway
	Set Construction - Simon Waller
	Assistant Set Construction and Assistant Scenic Artist - Bill Payne
	Assistant Set Construction - Ian Thomas
	Scenic Artist, Props and Flyer and Programme Design - Anne Nunn
	Scenic Artist - Linda Russell
	Assistant Scenic Artist - Clare Pinnock
	Publicity - Nick Lund
	Publicity - Frankie Godliman
	Continuity - Nancy Lund
	House Manager - Jackie Stone
	Photography - Alan Bostock (www.photoeyes.biz)