Handbagged
Information
- Date
- 28th July 2023
- Society
- Lyndhurst Drama & Musical Society
- Venue
- Vernon Theatre, Lyndhurst
- Type of Production
- Play
- Director
- Michele Arkle
- Producer
- Charlotte Dawson
- Written By
- Moria Buffinl
Handbagged is written by Moria Buffinl and is based on the weekly private meetings between Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first woman and longest serving Prime Minister, containing flashbacks to events during her time in power. There is also lot of comedy within the play with the ladies saying things like "I never said that" or "That was never said", which just added to the play.
Director Michele Arkle has done a great job bringing out all the comedy and has an excellent cast with this production. Everyone plays their part just right. Playing real-life people isn't easy, there is a big challenge portraying well known people on stage, as the audience have seen what they look like in the past, with great attention to detail along with little facial expressions and mannerisms.
Stevie Parker is great as Q, the older Queen Elizabeth II, her character is spot on and she has great comic timing even with just a look and a raised eyebrow. I liked the way she took charge and told everyone we're now having an interval.
Sarah Short plays T, the older Margaret Thatcher; she has the look and sound just right.
Amy Godfrey-Arkle plays Mags the ‘younger’ Margaret and she captures the public Thatcher in her early years, again with mannerisms and voice, and expressive face.
Hannah Rogers plays Liz, the ‘younger’ Queen Elizabeth, she too capture the look and mannerisms of the Queen.
All the other characters that are mentioned in the play are played by Jack Barnett Actor 1 and Michael Watson Actor 2. They seem to be having a great time taking on the multiple roles that the Queen and Mrs T encountered, I especially liked Nancy and Ronald Reagan.
The set is simple and effective, sound, lighting and costume just right.
Well done to you all on a super play.
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