[T]he relationship between Britain’s most iconic female figures is put centre stage in acclaimed comedy Handbagged which opens at Theatre by the Lake on 15 June.
The play imagines the weekly conversations between Margaret Thatcher and the Queen, and speculates what really happened behind closed palace doors when two of the most powerful women in the world clashed.
Written by Moira Buffini, Handbagged was first seen at the Tricycle Theatre in London, where it received rave reviews and packed out audiences. It subsequently transferred to the West End, to similar acclaim. Funny, insightful and brilliantly sharp, the play was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2015.
Theatre by the Lake’s production is directed by Liz Stevenson, Associate Director at the theatre, and boasts a cast of six actors: Julia Watson, Eliza Hunt, Alice Selwyn, Emma Carter, Matt Addis and Ian Barritt. Of the six, Eliza and Matt have performed at Theatre by the Lake previously, Matt most recently in 2015’s The Snow Queen. He is also well loved by Keswick audiences for his appearances in The Railway Children, Not About Heroes and the 2011 Summer Season.
Julia Watson, who may be familiar to audiences having spent several years playing the role as Barbara ‘Baz’ Wilder in Casualty, plays ‘T’ (Thatcher) in the play. She said: ‘Having campaigned and marched against Margaret Thatcher and her policies it is fascinating to play her. She intrigues me. Whatever I thought of her politics she was an extraordinary woman and I hope to do her justice. I’m very excited to be appearing at the Theatre by the Lake. Last time I was in the Lake District was in 1988 – making a BBC film Across the Lake about Donald Campbell, starring Anthony Hopkins, so I’m overdue a visit!’
To book tickets for Handbagged or to find out more visit www.theatrebythelake.com or call the box office on 017687 74411. At Theatre by the Lake from 15 June to 3 November.
