Indhu Rubasingham’s production of Hangbagged, which opened to critical acclaim at the Tricycle theatre last night, has announced that it will extend its run to 16 November.
Moira Buffini’s tale about two of the most influential women of the 20th century, which was originally set to close on 9 November, will play additional performances at the venue after a string of four-star reviews following yesterday’s press night.
Described by The Telegraph’s Charles Spencer as “a superbly fluent and entertaining production with outstanding performances,” about which he said “If ever a fringe show looked a dead cert for a West End transfer it is this one,” Handbagged sees Marion Bailey and Clare Holman portray older and younger versions of the Queen alongside Stella Gonet and Fenella Woolgar as old and young Margaret Thatchers, with fellow cast members Neet Mohan and Jeff Rawle taking on an abundance of supporting roles.
Based on the short play from Women, Power And Politics, which took over the Kilburn venue in 2010, Handbagged follows in the footsteps of Peter Morgan’s The Audience to paint a portrait of the weekly meetings between the powerful duo during Thatcher’s tenure as Prime Minister.
Directed by the Tricycle theatre’s Artistic Director Rubasingham with designs by Richard Kent, the production plays as part of an exciting season that also includes Kathy Burke’s production of Once A Catholic and the return of Olivier Award nominated play Red Velvet.