The Crown and the Iron Lady: A Theatrical Clash of Titans
There’s something undeniably captivating about watching two of history’s most formidable women locked in a room together—even if it’s just on stage. Handbagged, currently playing at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre, does exactly that, and the result is as sharp as it is thought-provoking. Personally, I think what makes this play so compelling isn’t just the historical figures it portrays, but the way it forces us to confront the complexities of power, duty, and ideology.
At its core, Handbagged imagines the weekly meetings between Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher during Thatcher’s tenure as Prime Minister. On the surface, it’s a political drama. But if you take a step back and think about it, it’s also a study in contrasts: one woman dedicated to the preservation of society, the other famously declaring that society doesn’t exist. What this really suggests is that leadership isn’t just about policies—it’s about worldview, and how that worldview shapes the lives of millions.
One thing that immediately stands out is the play’s ability to humanize these iconic figures. We see them not just as the Queen and the Iron Lady, but as wives, mothers, and women navigating the pressures of their roles. The poignancy of the older characters observing their younger selves adds a layer of depth that’s both touching and unsettling. It raises a deeper question: how much of who we become is shaped by the choices we make, and how much is dictated by circumstance?
What many people don’t realize is how much of Britain’s modern identity was forged during this era. The play doesn’t shy away from the controversies—the Poll Tax protests, the miners’ strikes, the Falklands War—but it also doesn’t reduce these events to mere historical footnotes. Instead, it invites us to consider how these moments still resonate today. From my perspective, this is where Handbagged truly shines: it’s not just a history lesson; it’s a mirror held up to our current political landscape.
The staging itself is a masterclass in subtlety. The circular stage becomes a battleground, with the Queen and Thatcher circling each other like prizefighters. The direction by Hannah Tyrrell is stealthy, almost predatory, which perfectly captures the tension between these two women. And the performances? Alexandra Mathie and Meriel Scholfield as the older Thatcher and Queen, respectively, are nothing short of mesmerizing. Their chemistry is electric, and their ability to convey both resentment and respect is a testament to their skill.
But what makes this particularly fascinating is how the play refuses to take sides. Whether you cheered or jeered Thatcher’s policies, Handbagged doesn’t offer easy answers. It’s a reminder that history is rarely black and white—it’s a messy, complicated tapestry of motivations and consequences. In my opinion, this is what great theatre should do: challenge us to think, not just feel.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the role of the handbags—not just as props, but as symbols. The Queen’s Royale and Thatcher’s Bellini aren’t just accessories; they’re extensions of their personalities. The handbag becomes a metaphor for control, for the things we carry with us, both literally and figuratively.
If you’re looking for a play that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is entertaining, Handbagged is it. It’s a slice of history, yes, but it’s also a commentary on the enduring power dynamics that shape our world. Personally, I left the theatre not just with a greater appreciation for these two women, but with a renewed sense of how much their era still influences ours.
So, does the Queen and the Iron Lady ever find common ground? You’ll have to see the play to find out. But one thing’s for sure: Handbagged will leave you thinking long after the curtain falls.
Tickets are available at 01723 370541 or online at www.sjt.uk.com.
