Handbagged at Oldham Coliseum

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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Handbagged

Oldham Coliseum, Manchester
14 May-1 June 2019

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Handbagged at Oldham Coliseum
Oldham Coliseum Theatre
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This spring Moira Buffini’s playful and satirical exploration of the relationship between the Queen and Margaret Thatcher comes to Oldham Coliseum. Handbagged uses great theatricality to imagine what went on in the private meetings between the Queen and Margaret Thatcher over the eleven year period from 1979 to 1990.

Handbagged, written in 2010, first started out as a one-act play – it was only later, in 2013, that it was expanded into a full-length work. At the time, Buffini was nervous about extending the show because, at the very same time, another play The Audience By Peter Morgan was also covering the relationship between Thatcher and the Queen. However, Handbagged became a complete West End hit and was nominated for the Best Comedy Award at the Olivier Awards in 2015.

Entertainingly told and iced generously with satirical humour, the monarch and Her most powerful subject collide as they give their opposing views of Britain’s role in the world. Obviously, no one really knows what did happen between the four walls of the weekly meetings between sovereign and minister, but Buffini constructs a completely credible conflict of values between radically different characters.

Comical, perceptive and beautifully performed, the play includes a supporting cast playing the roles of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Geoffrey Howe and Denis Thatcher amongst others. We recommend getting your tickets quick for Handbagged – incredibly funny, acute and slightly wicked.

The Coliseum presents Handbagged in co-production with Wiltshire Creative and York Theatre Royal. For those attending on the 23 May, there will be an opportunity to meet the cast after the show.

Where to go near Handbagged at Oldham Coliseum

Oldham
Event venue
Hack Oldham

Hack Oldham is an event space that also offers co-working, community groups and crafting in the heart of Oldham.

Gallery Oldham, in Oldham Cultural Quarter
Manchester
Museum
Gallery Oldham

Gallery Oldham provides a wide range of exhibitions and activities targeted at different audiences of all ages within Oldham and the surrounding area.

The Yoga Seed Oldham
Manchester
The Yoga Seed Oldham

The Yoga Seed is an intimate studio just outside of Oldham town centre. Run by Sharon it offers small classes including a men only class.

Liverpool
Hotel
Epic Apart Hotel

The Epic Apart Hotel offers 14 serviced apartments – and right righin the middle of the Ropewalks district, right behind FACT.

Theatre
Middleton Arena

The Arena has a regular programme of arts and entertainment including live music, concerts, comedy and dances with stage shows and national tours. With two licensed bars this is the perfect location for a great night out.

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