Handbagged Review: two political giants in a battle of wits and ambition
- Jonathan Goodwin
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
15 August 2026 I 14:30 I Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough (with Theatr Clwyd)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite
Well, where could one possibly start spending the afternoon with two of British history's most powerful women? Both captivating and intriguing, Handbagged invites us to observe the complicated relationship between Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth II, turning their political clashes into something lively and surprisingly intimate.
With two Thatchers and two Queens sharing the space in different eras, there lies such formidable presence. Though what could easily become a heaving history lesson, it never feels like one. Hannah Tyrell-Pinder's direction keeps a confident pace, balancing politics, humour and theatrical playfulness with ease. The in-the-round stage of Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre is particularly effective, placing the audience directly within these imagined private meetings; there really is nowhere for them, or their politics, to hide.
Having won an Olivier Award (Affiliate Theatre) for the play in 2014, Moira Buffini's script presents two generations of these women. Pandora Clifford (Mags) brings steel, certainty and restless ambition to a young Thatcher, while Alexandra Mathie (T) gives her older counterpart a contrasting sense of reflection, without losing her infamous bite.
Liz Garland's (Liz) younger Queen is poised and warm, with an impressive ability to communicate with the smallest of expressions. Meriel Scholfield's (Q) portrayal is calmly authoritative, with the air of a monarch backed by immense life experience. Seeing both of these women's older and younger selves, it means their memories are constantly tested, being corrected and contradicted before our eyes.
Rounding off the cast, Devan Modha and Simon Darwen provide some of the afternoon's biggest laughs, multi-rolling an endless collection of politicians, husbands, royals and members of parliament. As if the whole of Westminster has been squeezed into this one theatre! Their quick changes bring energy and unpredictability to the production, while also allowing satire to poke fun at its own storytelling.
Aside from the comedy, there lies a complex character study of these two figureheads of British culture, both occupying different kinds of power. Their meetings are polite, restrained and deliciously uncomfortable. Nobody actually swings a handbag, but several lines land with the same force.
The artistic vision of the piece feels polished and well thought-out. Katie Scott's circular wooden stage, with built-in steps and alcoves, neatly displays the props and costumes on subtly-lit plinths. And a striking suspended lighting feature looms above the action, used to great effect throughout. The cast even engage with the audience, maintaining eye contact and shaking hands with a select few. There's a genuinity attached to their characters that we trust, believing in their lives and decisions.
There is a lot of political pre-context attached, and those less familiar may find themselves mentally searching for references. However, an engaging text and assured performances ensure that even its denser moments remain accessible. Above all, Handbagged is intelligent theatre that never forgets to entertain. Charmingly comic without becoming a lecture on the past. Two remarkably strong-willed women return before your very eyes, and it is a force to behold.
At the Stephen Joseph Theatre (until 29th August): https://sjt.uk.com/events/handbagged
At Theatr Clwyd (15th to 26th September): https://www.theatrclwyd.com/event/handbagged
