Moira Buffini’s ‘Handbagged’ to return to Kiln Theatre

The political play is back at its original theatre.

Women rule the roost in this play. Moira Buffini’s acclaimed play, Handbagged, will be staged at the Kiln Theatre later this year. Handbagged returns to its first home, the Kiln Theatre, with previews from 9 September, ahead of an opening night on 15 September and performances to 22 October.

“I’m very excited to have the special opportunity to revisit this modern Kiln classic” said Kiln Theatre artistic director, Indhu Rubasingham.

She continued: “I first worked with Moira Buffini in 2010 when she wrote a short, satirical piece about Margaret Thatcher as part of my Women, Power and Politics season. One of the first things I did when I became Artistic Director was to commission a full-length version. It is a pleasure to share this major revival with a different generation, and to find new resonances in such ridiculous, tumultuous political times.”

Handbagged sees Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher go against one another and explore what would happen behind closed doors. They were born six months apart and they both changed the world in different directions.

The Handbagged play originally opened at the Kiln Theatre in 2013 and later transferred to the Vaudeville Theatre in 2014.

Marion Bailey and Kate Fahy will reprise the roles of ‘Q’ and ‘T’, an older Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher respectively. Further casting is to be announced.

Handbagged features direction by Indhu Rubasingham, design by Richard Kent, lighting design by Oliver Fenwick and sound design by Carolyn Downing.

Handbagged is at the Kiln Theatre.

Photo credit: Handbagged at the Vaudeville Theatre (Photo by Tristram Kenton)