Queen’s Theatre announces Handbagged-conversations between two of history’s most powerful women.

Moira Buffini’s clever, funny and charming political comedy unlocks the palace door, imagining untold conversations of two of history’s most powerful women, Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth II.

The Havering Daily is delighted to report the announcement by Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch, of a major national tour of Moira Buffini’s brilliantly funny play, Handbagged, as part of the Theatre Nation Partnerships (TNP) initiative.

Moira Buffini’s clever, funny and charming political comedy unlocks the palace door, imagining untold conversations of two of history’s most powerful women, Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth II.

Ronald Reagan, Denis Thatcher and an ensemble of familiar faces add to the biting satire and sharp humour, as the gloves come off and personalities clash.

25 years later, with both women now gone, their shadows still loom large, as this Theatre Nation Partnerships production, produced by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, explores the legacy of an extraordinary time in recent history; the story of two women – idolised and vilified in equal measure – who came to define modern society.

Queens Theatre Alex Thorpe, who is Co-Creative Director of Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and the Director ofHandbagged, remarks that “at a time when female leadership is at the forefront of western global politics, it felt a perfect time to re-examine the titanic personal and political struggle of the two most powerful women of the modern era, in a defining moment in our country’s history”. 

Theatre Nation Partnerships is a collaborative network of arts organisations aiming to strengthen their relationships with local audiences, schools, and communities. Convened by the National Theatre, the network is made up of theatres and creative organisations in 14 areas of England. Theatre Nation Partnerships has been supported by a £1.25 million award by Arts Council England, made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

Kate Varah, Executive Director of the National Theatre, shares their excitement ‘for audiences from across England to have the opportunity to enjoy the brilliant play that isHandbagged’, and how delighted they are “to have Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch at the helm once again to share this story with audiences far and wide”.

This extensive National tour will kick off with an extended 3 week run at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 6 – 22 February, before touring 12 further venues across the UK.

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