Preview: Handbagged at Northern Stage

Handbagged Brings the Queen and Thatcher Back to the Stage 

— With a 1980s Remix

Handbagged 

Newcastle Northern Stage 

Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 May 2025

Theatre lovers in Newcastle are in for a sharp, satirical treat this May as Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s reimagined production of Handbagged arrives at Northern Stage from 13 – 17 May. This clever comedy by Moira Buffini—about the imagined conversations between Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher—is part of a major national tour produced in partnership with the National Theatre through its Theatre Nation Partnerships network.

Directed by Alex Thorpe, this new interpretation brings fresh musical life to the iconic clash of two formidable figures. Handbagged has been infused with a cappella arrangements and “reworking of 80s pop classics” composed by Kate Marlais, played out against Katie Lias’ golden contemporary set and Ryan Day’s award-winning lighting design.

“I am thrilled to welcome this multi-talented cast to Hornchurch as we prepare to embark on the most ambitious TNP tour to date,” said Thorpe. “As we reexamine these fierce and famed women, joining this ensemble company is some of the UK’s most exciting creative talents, realising Moira Buffini’s satirically funny comedy. Performed on Katie Lias’ golden contemporary set and propelled by Kate Marlais's reworking of 80’s pop classics and the award-winning Ryan Day’s lighting – this truly extraordinary team is not to be missed.”

The play examines the complex decade-long relationship between the Queen and her Prime Minister, blending historical insight with biting humour. Two pairs of actors portray the women in different stages of life: Emma Ernest (Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s Globe) plays the younger ‘Mags’ (Margaret Thatcher), while Morag Cross (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) embodies the elder ‘T’. Meanwhile, the younger Queen Elizabeth II (‘Liz’) is played by Helen Reuben (Cabaret, English Theatre Frankfurt), and the older ‘Q’ by Sarah Moyle, known to many as Valerie from BBC’s Doctors.

The four leads are joined by a dynamic ensemble: Cassius Konneh and Dennis Herdman take on 17 additional roles between them, with support from Tiajna Amayo and Jane Quinn rounding out the company.

As part of the National Theatre’s Theatre Nation Partnerships initiative—spanning 13 partners across 14 areas—Handbagged aims to reach new and diverse audiences, especially those with limited access to live performance. Between 2022 and 2025, the programme will reach an estimated 500,000 people through touring productions, community engagement, and school outreach.

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, which co-produces the tour, continues its mission to deliver bold theatre to regional audiences. A previous winner of UK Theatre’s Most Welcoming Theatre Award (2016–2018) and London Theatre of the Year 2020 (The Stage Awards), the venue is proud to push boundaries in both style and storytelling.

Handbagged promises a royally entertaining night out, full of political bite, nostalgic flair, and musical surprises. It is suitable for ages 10+ and plays at Northern Stage from 13–17 May.

Photos: Manuel Harlan

Tickets: https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/handbagged/