Review: Handbagged at the Vaudeville Theatre

Handbagged

Vaudeville Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 10th April 2014

Although I was born in the 1980s, I wasn't even at nursery school by the time Margaret Thatcher's reign at Downing Street was over. However, I did meet Baroness Thatcher when I was older and always found her to be a charming and very clever woman. So, as an admirer of both her and the Queen I was intrigued to see how Moira Buffini would explore the relationship between these two women on stage.

Interview: Jeff Rawle, starring in Handbagged at the Vaudeville Theatre

Jeff during rehearsals

Jeff Rawle stars in Handbagged which begins previews at the Vaudeville Theatre on Thursday (3rd April 2014) following a successful run at the Tricycle Theatre last year. Jeff plays multiple roles including Ronald Reagan, Denis Thatcher, Peter Carrington and Geoffrey Howe. 

The monarch – Liz. Her most powerful subject – Maggie. Two enduring icons born six months apart. One destined to rule, the other elected to lead. But when the stiff upper lip softened and the gloves came off, which one had the upper hand?

Jeff’s theatre credits include: Cocktail Sticks, The Power of Yes, Fram and Noises Off (National), Pornography (Traverse), King of Hearts (Out of Joint), Bottle Universe (Bush Theatre) and Way to Heaven (Royal Court). 

On screen he is best known for playing George in Drop the Dead Donkey and Silas Blissett in Hollyoaks. His television credits also include: 88 Keys; You, Me and Them, An Adventure in Time and Space, Heading Out, A Beautiful Day, Doc Martin and I Saw Up. His film credits include: Trimming Pablo, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Black Ball, Awayday and Laughterhouse.

I recently spoke to Jeff about returning to Handbagged, the play’s huge success and why, after working in film and TV, it’s always a joy to return to theatre…

Did you need any persuading to reprise your performance in Handbagged? 

None whatsoever. We had to wait a while before finding the right theatre for it which was a bit nerve wracking but we got there in the end! It’s great to be back in the pool, it’s brilliant. I’m thrilled to be doing it again!

Tricycle Theatre’s 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. This marks the first West End transfer under Indhu Rubasingham’s tenure as Artistic Director. 

Handbagged will open at the Vaudeville Theatre on Thursday 10th April (previews from 3rd April) and run until Saturday 2nd August.