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Handbagged Tickets

The Lady's not for turning. Or is she? Handbagged returns to London's West End!

Performance dates

9 September - 29 October 2022

Run time 2h10min.

Includes interval

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Kiln Theatre presents Handbagged by Moira Buffini

North London's Kiln Theatre presents a fantastic revival of Moira Buffini's critically acclaimed play Handbagged later this year. Following its past success, the production reunites The Queen and the Iron Lady once more for a run of wickedly funny comedy.

What is Handbagged about?

Handbagged pits two iconic female figures in British history against one another—The monarch, Queen Elizabeth II and her most powerful subject, Margaret Thatcher—and imagines what they talked about behind closed doors. The two icons were born six months apart, and while one was destined to rule, the other was elected to lead. Both had a destiny that would change the world. But who truly had the upper hand?

Handbagged awards and acclaim

The original production premiered at London's Tricycle Theatre in October 2013. Following its sell-out success, it won the 2014 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre. It subsequently transferred to the West End's Vaudeville Theatre for a sell-out four-month run. A UK tour followed in 2015, and performances in Washington and New York in 2019.

While playing to packed houses, Handbagged enjoyed sensational reviews, described by critics as 'Outstanding, witty and confident' (Evening Standard) and 'A Phenomenon' (The Sunday Telegraph).

The Handbagged cast and creative team

Indhu Rubasingham, Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre, directs Moira Buffini's hit comedy. Richard Kent designs the piece, with sound by Carolyn Downing, lighting by Oliver Fenwick, and casting by Briony Barnett.

Marion Bailey (Vera Drake, The Crown) and Kate Fahy (Poirot, Archipelago) reprise their roles as Liz and Maggie, respectively. Marion takes on the part of 'Q', an older Queen Elizabeth II, while Kate plays 'T', an older Margaret Thatcher. Further casting will be announced soon.

Handbagged tickets are on sale now!

The hilarious, critically acclaimed production comes to London's Kiln Theatre for a limited season this autumn, from 9th September to 22nd October 2022. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Handbagged tickets today!

Group Pricing

Special pricing for groups of 8 or moreCheck our group prices and save!

Recent Reviews

4.8
24 reviews
Sally Seddon

Fantastic show!

Elizabeth Mahon

Brilliant!

MR SHAKTHI CARTHIGESAN

Excellent acting by the handful of cast. The script, the speech and everything made it an enjoyable show to watch.

Hannah

This is an absolutely fantastic play. Hugely entertaining, cleverly written and phenomenally acted. We also happened to see it on the same day that Liz Truss resigned which gave the performance a heightened relevance! The Kiln Theatre is super modern and comfortable and the bar prices are reasonable. A greatly enjoyable evening in all respects.

Joella W

As an American (home is Seatttle) I missed many jokes but I loved the play, the satire, the actors. Brilliant!

ALAN FOSTER

My first visit to a lovely intimate theatre. The play was excellent very well acted with a modern set.

John Beynon

Excellent.

cecilia ives

All the actors were very good, the script was excellent and funny . The theatre was small , seats good even at the back of the circle the view was excellent. The theatre was clean and comfortable.

Anna G

Excellent play strongly recommended

Yulia Petry

Absolutely splended!

Camomilla

I was bored. It didn’t “grab” me. I found the older Queen and the Footman/ others excellent. But the other actors were mediocre and lacking the ability to deliver their lines with punch or humour.

Johnny

A brilliantly written sharp, comical piece. The detail of character delivered by the actors is award worthy. A must see for all.

Latest Handbagged News

Interview: Handbagged’s Marion Bailey & Fenella Woolgar

News / Interviews

Interview: Handbagged’s Marion Bailey & Fenella Woolgar

Marion Bailey and Fenella Woolgar are currently starring as the older Queen and younger Margaret Thatcher in the West End transfer of Handbagged. Following its sell-out run at the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn, Indhu Rubasingham’s production of Moira Buffini’s new play runs at the Vaudeville Theatre until Saturday 2nd August 2014.

25 May, 2014 | By Andrew Tomlins

Rave Reviews Continue For West End Transfer Of Handbagged

News / Reviews

Rave Reviews Continue For West End Transfer Of Handbagged

The ‘wickedly funny’ (Evening Standard) Olivier Awards-nominated Handbagged has transferred from a sold out run at the Tricycle last year to the West End where it continues to receive rave reviews!

15 Apr, 2014 | By London Theatre Direct

Handbagged: Two Enduring Icons born Six Months Apart

News

Handbagged: Two Enduring Icons born Six Months Apart

The Tricycle Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of Moira Buffini’s Handbagged transfers to the West End – the first West End transfer under Indhu Rubasingham’s tenure as Artistic Director.

6 Feb, 2014 | By London Theatre Direct

Tricycle Theatre’s Critically Acclaimed Handbagged Transfers To The Vaudeville Theatre

News

Tricycle Theatre’s Critically Acclaimed Handbagged Transfers To The Vaudeville Theatre

It has been announced that the Tricycle Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of Moira Buffini’s Handbagged will transfer to the West End’s Vaudeville Theatre from April, marking the Tricycle’s first West End transfer under Indhu Rubasingham’s tenure as Artistic Director

28 Jan, 2014 | By London Theatre Direct

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