The Tricycle Theatre’s acclaimed production of Handbagged will transfer to the West End later this year, beginning previews at the Vaudeville Theatre from 3 April.
Playing until 2 August, Moira Buffini’s comedy tells the story of two of the most influential women of the 20th century, the Queen and Margaret Thatcher, and speculates on what happened when the powerful duo spoke behind closed doors.
Based on the short play first seen as part of 2010’s Women, Power And Politics season, the production is directed by the Tricycle’s Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham. It opened at the Kilburn venue in September 2013, where it received a string of four star reviews and extended its run due to popular demand.
Original cast members Marion Bailey, Stella Gonet, Fenella Woolgar, Neet Mohan and Jeff Rawle will reprise their roles in the production alongside newcomer Lucy Robinson, who replaces Clare Holman.
When Handbagged opened at the Tricycle last year, The Telegraph’s Charles Spencer described it as “a superbly fluent and entertaining production with outstanding performances.” The Evening Standard’s Henry Hitchings agreed, deeming it “a sparky portrait of political and emotional flux, occasionally disturbing and often wickedly funny.”
Talking about the transfer, Rubasingham said: “It’s thrilling to be transferring Moira Buffini’s wonderful new play to the Vaudeville Theatre after our sold out run at the Tricycle. Having nurtured it since 2010, this is a fantastic opportunity to continue the Tricycle’s long tradition of bringing new work to the widest possible audience.”
Handbagged will open at the Vaudeville Theatre following political comedy The Duck House and follows in the footsteps of Peter Morgan’s Olivier Award nominated The Audience as the second play to bring a tale about the powerful duo to the West End in as many years.