Review: Handbagged at Northern Stage

“…vibrant and engaging…everyone was perfect…”

Handbagged by Moira Buffini, Northern Stage

By Lauren Powell

Before I get started – do you know what a ‘touch tour’ is? I didn’t, until a moment ago when I was mooching through the Northern Stage website. Apparently, if you are blind or partially sighted, you can tour the stage to get a feel for the set of the show you are watching. How cool! Tell your blind and partially-sighted friends, because this is a really unusual level of inclusivity that I was thrilled to see.

Now then – are you ready for the ultimate high-class cat fight? When neither lady is for turning, you get a frenetic but viciously polite battle of wills that will have you laughing out loud, no matter your feelings towards Thatcher and the late Queen.

The Queen and Thatcher are both played by two actresses – representing their younger and older selves – all four of whom are on stage interacting with themselves and one another. They are supported by two male actors (Actor 1 – Cassius Konneh and Actor 2 – Dennis Herdman),  who each play a slew of characters – from a member of the Queen’s staff to Rupert Murdoch to a range of political figures in between. There are another two supporting actors who nip on and off stage to deliver drinks and whatnot too. Both Queens (Q -Sarah Moyle and Liz – Helen Reuben) and Thatchers (T – Morag Cross and Mags – Emma Ernest) give us a vivid window into the historical events of Thatcher’s premiership, with the lads providing historical context and supporting the action. 

Often one or two actors outshine their counterparts. Maybe they have more energy, a bit more range or charisma. Not tonight. Every single moment on the stage saw each actor at their most vibrant and engaging. Sarah Moyle as the older queen got the most laughs out of me – her physical comedy was subtle but outstanding.  Actor 2 – Dennis Herdman’s Rupert Murdoch was so spot on I almost booed him, pantomime-style. And Emma Ernest as Mags (young Thatcher) – I hated her. I hated her voice, I hated the way she stood like she was trying to air out an enormous pair of balls while simultaneously battling shoulder pads that may have been possessed by the devil. She was perfect. In fact, everyone was perfect. My disbelief was totally suspended, I’d almost believe the two characters were exactly like this in their real interactions. 

The author, Moira Buffini, is a literary genius. The dialogue was whip-smart – I found myself bellowing with laughter at points. But it was also really entertaining and educational. What could have been a dry and drab conversation was a verbal fencing match. Her words combined with the work of movement director, Jonnie Riordan, made the performance almost like a dance. There was also some actual dancing too – and singing – which surprised me, but really kept me tickled and entertained.

A show called Handbagged would have to have some decent costuming, wouldn’t it? They did not disappoint. Crisp, colourful outfits clashed like the personalities wearing them. Actors 1 and 2 had a range of costumes they whizzed in and out of, with some changes subtle, some utterly hilarious.

The staging is relatively simple but it supports the action perfectly. It’s mostly enormous coins but it works so well. Combined with the lighting – which was absolutely masterful, I must say – it was the icing on an already delicious cake. You could easily overlook the impact the lighting makes if you’re not paying attention, but keep your eyes peeled for the subtle shifts that transport you from the Queens office, to the Thatchers’ TV room, via a flight, over the course of the production. 

You may be asking yourself if this play is for you. Do you need knowledge of the political climate or events? Absolutely not – Actor 1 will fill you in. You’re a monarchist and worried you’ll spend the night clutching your pearls? Honestly, I came out a bit fonder of our old Liz. She does not make it out without some criticism, but I think you’ll be ok. You’re a big fan of Thatcher and don’t want to see the Iron Lady tarnished?  Well, as a queer person, a member of a trade union, who had relatives who worked as miners during her tenure, I still thought they were more than fair to That Bloody Woman. 

Obviously, I’m giving this production five stars. I wish I could give it ten – it really is that good. If you are going to go to this though, please play along. When they say, “Please be upstanding for Her Royal Highness”, for the love of God be a good audience member and be upstanding. Stand, you’re in the presence of greatness!  

Handbagged plays at Northern Stage until Saturday 17 May. Tickets are available here.

Lauren Powell is a recovering academic from the North East of England. Currently residing in South Shields with her partner and two malevolent gerbils. Lauren is a short form writer who writes fiction as well as reviews. She has loved the theatre since childhood, and many years ago volunteered back stage with an amateur group, Stage Focus.  From one man readings to musical and beyond, Lauren can not get enough! You can find her on Twitter/X here.