Handbagged

What Is Handbagged About?

Handbagged is a wickedly funny political comedy that imagines the private conversations between two of the most iconic women of the twentieth century: Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Born just six months apart, the two women dominated British public life for over a decade, yet their relationship remained famously opaque. The play peels back the formality of their weekly Tuesday audiences at Buckingham Palace and asks a deliciously provocative question: behind closed doors, which one truly had the upper hand?

Written by Moira Buffini, the play uses a sharp, theatrical device in which both women are portrayed by two actresses each, one older and one younger, who comment on the action, argue over details, and contradict one another with gleeful relish. The result is something far more layered than a simple political satire; it is a portrait of power, femininity, class, and the peculiarly British art of saying everything while appearing to say nothing at all.

Why Is Handbagged Worth Seeing?

Few plays manage to be simultaneously laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely thought-provoking about the nature of political power. Handbagged succeeds on both counts. Moira Buffini's writing crackles with wit, and the clever theatrical structure means the audience is never simply watching a historical re-enactment. Instead, the play constantly reminds you that history is contested, memory is unreliable, and that the stories we tell about powerful women are often shaped by the biases of those doing the telling.

The play also works beautifully as an introduction to a turbulent period of British history, covering topics including the Falklands War, the miners' strike, and tensions within the Commonwealth, all handled with a light comic touch that never sacrifices intelligence for laughs.

Who Wrote Handbagged and What Are the Creative Highlights?

Handbagged was written by Moira Buffini, a playwright and screenwriter well regarded for her sharp, character-driven work. The play originated at the Tricycle Theatre in North London before transferring to the West End, earning considerable critical praise along the way. The four-handed structure is one of the most inventive aspects of the production, allowing the script to interrogate its own reliability in a way that feels fresh and genuinely theatrical rather than merely gimmicky.

Practical Information for Visitors

Handbagged is a stage play with a running time of approximately 15 minutes for select formats, though full productions have run considerably longer. Prospective visitors are advised to check the specific production listing for accurate running times and interval information before booking. The play is suitable for older teenagers and adults, particularly those with an interest in British political history or feminist perspectives on power, though no prior knowledge is required to enjoy it fully.

As with most London theatre productions, it is worth booking seats in advance to secure the best positions in the auditorium. Prices and availability vary depending on the venue and production run. Always check the venue's own access information if you have specific seating or accessibility requirements.

Similar Shows You Might Enjoy

If Handbagged appeals to you, there are several other productions in a similar vein that are well worth exploring. For sharp political comedy with a strong female perspective, Top Girls by Caryl Churchill is an essential companion piece, examining ambition and womanhood with equally biting wit. Fans of historical drama with a comic edge may also enjoy The Audience, which similarly places the Queen at centre stage and imagines her private conversations with a succession of Prime Ministers. For more of Moira Buffini's work, Welcome to Thebes offers another example of her ability to blend classical structures with urgent contemporary themes.