Meet the women behind Handbagged at Blackpool Grand Theatre this April as the cast is announced for Moira Buffini’s fiercely funny tale of the weekly private meetings between Queen Elizabeth II and The Iron Lady

Her Majesty will see you now…

It’s time to meet the cast of Moira Buffini’s clever comedy HANDBAGGED before we unlock the palace door at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 8 April to Saturday 12 April to witness the private conversations between former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth II.

Top theatre actors Emma Ernest (Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s Globe) and Morag Cross (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) will play Margaret Thatcher and Helen Reuben (Cabaret, Pictures of Dorian Gray) and Sarah Moyle (Valerie from BBC’s Doctors) will play Queen Elizabeth II in this fabulous fly-on-the-wall comedy that imagines the captivating conversations between The Queen and her most powerful subject, the then Prime Minister.

Emma Ernest will be playing ‘Mags’ and Helen Reuben will play ‘Liz’ to represent the younger versions of the famous figureheads who officially met at Buckingham Palace in 1979 to begin over eleven years of weekly, behind-closed-doors meetings during the PM’s three terms of office.

Appearing as the older counterparts of the main characters are Morag Cross as ‘T’ and Sarah Moyle as ‘Q’, with Cassius Konneh and Dennis Herdman performing an ensemble of 17 familiar faces from the era – including Denis Thatcher and Ronald Reagan – to add to the biting satire and sharp humour, as the gloves come off and personalities clash. Completing the ensemble is Tiajna Amayo and Jane Quinn.

Did the Monarch and the Iron Lady ever find common ground, or did their stiff upper lips reign supreme? This highly entertaining Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Theatre Nation Partnerships production explores the intense relationship between these two powerhouses of politics and the legacy they each left behind. They may be gone, but their shadows still loom large…

Directed by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch’s Alex Thorpe, this fresh interpretation of the smash-hit play will feature new music composed for the show, a cappella singing and remixed 80s pop classics. Alex said: “I am thrilled to welcome this multi-talented cast as we prepare to embark on the most ambitious TNP tour to date. As we re-examine 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’ reworking of 80s pop classics and the award-winning Ryan Day’s lighting – this truly extraordinary team is not to be missed.”

This razor sharp satirical comedy also follows hot on the heels of Channel 4’s recent dazzling drama Brian & Maggie starring Steve Coogan and Harriet Walter, which recreates the infamous 1989 interview between journalist Brian Walden and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. This historic showdown triggered the downfall of Thatcher’s term as PM and her subsequent resignation and is a must see.

Catch up at www.channel4.com/programmes/brian-and-maggie and then book for this cleverly charming comedy at The Grand. The laughs are royally good…

Moira Buffini’s Handbagged starring renowned theatre actors Emma Ernest (Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s Globe) and Morag Cross (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Margaret Thatcher and Helen Reuben (Cabaret, Pictures of Dorian Gray) and Sarah Moyle (Valerie from BBC’s Doctors) as Queen Elizabeth II is at Blackpool Grand Theatre from Tuesday 8 April to Saturday 12 April with matinee and evening performances. Suitable for ages 10+

Audio Description available on all performances /BSL Interpreted Performance on Saturday 12 April at 2.30pm.

Tickets from £15 with concessions for 1894 Club members and Friends of The Grand. Group rates also available.

Please call the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 290190 or visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk for full listings, bookings and further information.