Review: Handbagged at Ilkley Playhouse

OPENING on the day when Brexit may or may not happen,’ Handbagged’ by Moira Buffini, at Ilkley Playhouse, is a comic gem detailing the relationship between HM the Queen and Margaret Thatcher. It is hilarious to think that it reflects a time when politics was a more straightforward subject, considering the events it covers.

This is a clever play – the parts of Thatcher and the Queen are played concurrently by two actors each – Amanda Ashby and Paula Boyle take on the older and younger PM, while Ruth Evans and Becky Kordowicz do the same for the Queen. All of the other characters are played by Wander Bruijel and Bruce Sturrock – and they are clearly having a great time. Slipping almost seamlessly between Denis Thatcher, Prince Philip, Arthur Scargill, Heseltine, Geoffrey Howe, Carrington, Ronald Reagan – and his wife – the quick changes of outfit and accent are a wonder to behold.

The fourth wall is repeatedly broken – the cast directly addresses the audience - and this has the effect of drawing us in and heightening our own recollections of this turbulent time. On more than one occasion I wanted to shout ‘I was there’, but had to restrain myself - plenty to discuss though in the interval and afterwards.

Starting at Maggie’s ‘accession’, we are taken through the miner’s strike, Brixton Riots, the Falklands War, Brighton bombings and of course, the discussions around Europe…… Each of these landmarks under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher, are discussed between the two powerful women. The artistic licence taken by the author is frequently questioned by the characters – ‘I never said that’, ‘That didn’t happen’ – but we are left wondering of course. How these women got on is analysed in some detail – some of the scenes you want to be real, others you would rather were not. Either way, the performances are excellent – the poise and mannerisms of Becky Kordowicz and Ruth Evans are impeccable whilst Paula Boyle’s interpretation of Thatcher’s voice and delivery make it hard to believe she is not in the room. Amanda Ashby’s Thatcher is more reflective and no less sympathetic.

Gordon Williamson’s simple set – just six chairs and two tables – allows the characters truly to take centre stage whilst Julia O’Keefe’s stylish and sharp direction allows the action effortlessly to move between realism and story-telling – and the playful bickering between the actors adds wonderfully to the energy of the piece.

With the clocks going back this week, nights drawing in and the current political situation becoming more impossible day by day, it will do us all good to remember that all things pass – and that one day we will find a way to smile at these dark days! Grab a ticket for this play – see what you remember – and what you think is the truth. It runs from Hallowe’en (maybe Brexit day) until the day before Remembrance Sunday. That alone should make us think!

by Becky Carter