Theatre Review: Margaret Thatcher - Queen of Soho, Tobacco Factory Theatres

Summary

Rating: ★★★★

Running Dates: Thursday 21st September - Saturday 23rd September  

Where to see it: Tobacco Factory

Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus interval)

Keywords: Funny, camp, music

Review

Walking into the theatre and seeing ‘MAGGIE’ lit up in lights while In the Navy played, we knew that this was going to be a play about Margaret Thatcher as we’d never seen her before.

The play revolves around Section 28 and the ban on “promotion of homosexuality” and that on the eve of the vote, Thatcher gets lost and accidentally becomes a drag superstar in Soho.

From the start, Matt Tedford’s Thatcher looked the part - the hair, the handbag and the headtilt were unmistakable. Most notable was the voice which carried throughout the entire play and was recognisable even during the musical numbers.

Thatcher’s character was supported by 2 moustached sidekicks in denim shorts and white vests who played a myriad of characters from a pantomime villain Jill Knight (booing encouraged!), Peter Thatchell through to Sir Ian McKellen and a talking portrait of Winston Churchill.

As to be expected from a drag cabaret, there were quick witted ad libs directed at the audience but also at each other on stage when an actor needed a reminder of their line or to bring out a chair for example. There were many double entendres and no topic was off limits to joke about. 

The performance was a camp romp through the 80s with excellent costume and of course music. Tedford’s Thatcher breaks into song and dance throughout with numbers including YMCA and It’s Raining Men and the audience were encouraged to singalong.

Jon Brittain and Matt Tedford’s production had the entire audience laughing and even had us ‘aww-ing’ for the main character and we would recommend this to anyone.

Standout Quote or Moment: The scene with Winston Churchill

See If: You are a fan of drag

Similar Plays: I don’t think there’s anything quite like it out there, but if there is let City Girl Network know as we’d love to see it!

Last Impression: A funny performance that also managed to bring warmth to the character of Thatcher

Written by Jasmine Coles