Handbagged - Kiln Theatre

[david]

A really witty play written by Moria Buffini about the relationship between Maggie T and Her Maj. Having watched the matinee performance today at the Oldham Coliseum. Sarah Crowden and Susan Penhaligon as the elder Maggie and Liz were absolutely fantastic in their roles, while Alice Selena (Mrs T)and Caroline Harker (Liz) as their younger selves were just as good.

A special mention to the two male actors in the company, Jahvel Hall and Andy Seacombe who for 2hrs managed to play a multitude of personalities associated with the 2 women.

It is definitely worth a watch and even the corgi’s make an appearance!

[showgirl]

I enjoyed seeing this again in York at the end of April, with my sister who had never seen it. Casting not as good as the original and on my own I probably wouldn't have bothered but a perfectly decent night out during our holiday.

[Fleance]

It is indeed a very enjoyable play. I saw it at the Vaudeville a few years ago, with Stella Gonet and Fenella Woolgar as Mrs. T. It's on in New York at the moment, for the month of June.

I like Moira Buffini's work. I enjoyed her Welcome to Thebes at the NT very much.

[david]

I thought the writing style used was interesting. You never got Mrs T and Liz interacting together that much rather they just talk to the audience whilst putting their version of events across. The use of the “corgis” was very funny and a definite highlight of the play. This is the first play I’ve watched from Moria Buffini so I’ll keep an eye out for any more of her plays in the future.

[oxfordsimon]

If you can catch Buffini's Dinner - that is a particular favourite of mine

[Dave B]

Returns to Kiln from 9 September with Marion Bailey and Kate Fahy.

[Dave B]

We saw a preview this evening. Some slight timing issues towards the end of the second half with a few lines crossing over each other. Still quite funny and I really enjoyed the meta commentary throughout. All the cast were great and really enjoyed how both Romayne Andrews and Richard Cant switch between so many roles. Gerry Adams had me in stitches.

[Dr Tom]

Thought this was excellent tonight. Not a play I'd seen before and I picked up a bargain 2nd row seat earlier today. Looked pretty full.

A very well written and observed play with real meaning behind the lines. All very tastefully performed and presented under the present circumstances as well.

Think we had five phones going off during the performance (calls or notifications) which must be an audience feeling it's their duty to try and break records. But the cast soldiered on and did an excellent job.

Well worth seeing.

[nottobe]

This production was due to have its first performance on the 9th September but obviously the Kiln decided it would be better to open on the 10th. I went to see this tonight on the 12th and only booked yesterday as for me this felt like it would be a fitting tribute to the Queen.

Before the show stated Indhu Rubasingham came onstage and said that this revival was mounted in celebration of the Queens Jubilee year. She said that since the announcement they had been considering cancelling the run but have decided to continue. There was the a one minute silence before the show which moved me too.

This play should be seen as a celebration of the Queens life. Moria Buffini has written a very witty, entertaining and informative script. I would see say it is a mix between The Crown and Horrible Histories. The whole cast excel and this is really an ensemble show. As a younger person you were sometimes overloaded with a lot historical information, but I am very glad I have seen this play at this moment in our history.

[Jon]

I suspect cancelling the entire run would have very costly financially so no surprise they decided to let it run although I imagine the performance on the 19th will be cancelled.

[theoracle]

I must say I enjoyed this immensely last night. I thought the performances were very good - both T and Mags were great and you really believe they are The Iron Lady. I was worried it would feel a little odd seeing a portrayal of The Queen this soon but my fears were quickly eased. There is a lot of humour in this show and all in very good taste. Perhaps an unpopular opinion but I always have felt bad for Mrs Thatcher for how she was kicked out of office and here, when she's shown intending to fight on after the first ballot, my heart did sink. I'm glad we get a nuanced depiction of the Thatcher years here too though of course.

[sph]

Really enjoyed this. Went in knowing nothing of the play really, but having particularly enjoyed the scenes between Thatcher and the Queen in the last season of The Crown I thought I'd give it a go.

Something tells me it lacks the gravitas of The Audience (I haven't seen it), and there are a few moments where the play loses it's edge by taking the comedy to a point where it's just a bit too silly (the music playing when Thatcher pretends to box her opponents for example).

Excellent performances though. Was lovely to see Marion Bailey as the Queen and I loved that all four actresses got the voices and mannerisms of the pair just right. You can't help but feel that with a voice that sounds as breathy as Thatcher's it must be difficult to project out into an auditorium without a microphone, but I sat in the back row and didn't miss a word.

Now that the official mourning period is over, there were no announcements/introductions regarding the play's timing, although of course it will be fresh in the minds of everyone watching. I daresay recent events will actually be a large contributor to the ticket sales of this particular run.

[joem]

Enjoyed this even if it feels a little slight at times but the comedy was very good - the "history" less so.

Very good acting, including shout-out to the two guys not playing the late Queen and Mrs Thatcher and taking care of all the male roles (and a couple of female ones as well).

[thistimetomorrow]

I don't know if this line was added or a pure stroke of luck on Moira's part, but having Maggie say 'I am not a quitter' in the scene before she resigns is so funny given what Liz Truss was saying.