A Tale of Two Female Powerhouses: Handbagged Comes to Oxford Playhouse

A sharply witty reimagining of Handbagged, Moira Buffini’s Olivier Award-winning political comedy, is set to take the stage at Oxford Playhouse from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th May.

This critically acclaimed play offers a fly-on-the-wall glimpse into what might have happened when Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher met behind closed palace doors, a satirical, bold, and delightfully theatrical clash between two of the 20th century’s most formidable women.

What is Handbagged?

First staged in 2013 and winner of the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre, Handbagged explores the complex relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

The play spans more than a decade of power struggles, policy clashes, and the subtle tension of two women navigating their roles in history, from very different perspectives.

Set in the privacy of palace meetings, Handbagged speculates on the personal and political dynamics between the Monarch and the Iron Lady. Did they clash or connect? And how did their relationship influence an era?

With flashbacks, wit, and overlapping timelines, the play explores the power, personality, and politics of two women navigating their roles at the top.

This revival, produced by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch in partnership with the National Theatre, brings the story to life through clever humour, sharp dialogue, and a rich blend of a cappella singing and 1980s remixed pop classics.

Cast Highlights

Four actors play younger and older versions of the two leads, offering layered, comedic perspectives:

• Emma Ernest as Mags (Young Margaret)
  (Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s Globe)
• Helen Reuben as Liz (Young Elizabeth)
  (Cabaret, English Theatre Frankfurt)
• Morag Cross as T (Older Thatcher)
  (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, West End)
• Sarah Moyle as Q (Older Queen)
  Best known as ‘Valerie’ in Doctors (BBC)

Supporting roles played by Cassius Konneh, Dennis Herdman, with Tiajna Amayo and Jane Quinn as understudies.

Reviews Roundup

“A rapid-fire tour of Eighties history.” – The Times
“Well-pitched and brilliantly humorous.” – The Indiependent
“Sharp as a tack.” – Reviews Hub
“The dialogue is compelling… at times poignantly, at times hilariously.” – North West End

Direction & Production

Directed by Alex Thorpe (Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch), this new production combines political satire with theatrical flair — adding original music and vibrant visuals that breathe new life into Buffini’s already razor-sharp script.

The production is part of the Theatre Nation Partnerships programme, a National Theatre initiative supporting regional arts organisations to engage new local audiences and schools across England.

Creative Team

• Director: Alex Thorpe
• Writer: Moira Buffini
• Designer: Katie Lias
• Lighting: Ryan Day
• Movement: Jonnie Riordan
• Sound & Music: Kate Marlais & Owen Crouch
• Musical Direction: Kate Marlais
• Costume: Chantal Short

Essential Info

• Dates: Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 May 2025
• Venue: Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street
• Running Time: Approx. 2hrs 15mins (with interval)
• Age Guidance: 12+ (mature themes, satirical political content)
• Tickets: From £14
• Box Office: 01865 305305
• Online Booking: oxfordplayhouse.com

Final Thoughts

With powerhouse performances and a script that crackles with intelligence and irony, Handbagged is more than political satire, it’s a portrait of power, personality, and the quiet theatre of monarchy and leadership.

Whether you’re a fan of political drama, royal intrigue, or simply enjoy clever theatre with a side of 80s flair, this is a show not to miss.

Handbagged UK Tour Dates