Margaret Thatcher Queen of Hollywood will be at the Assembly George Square Gardens – Piccolo Tent at 8.40pm. For tickets go to www.edfringe.com.
Every show begins with an initial spark. What was the original idea, moment or experience that made you create this piece?
As you all know, after standing down as Prime Minister I embarked on a new career as a fabulous cabaret superstar. But whilst I enjoyed playing esteemed UK theatres such as the Palladium (Milton Keynes), the Apollo (Skegness) and many, many branches of Butlins, I couldn’t help feeling like I was meant for even greater superstardom. That’s when I received a call from my agent asking me if I was interested in playing the role of myself in a reboot of the Iron Lady franchise. I told him to book me a ticket on concord immediately. He politely informed me that concord no longer existed and bought me an economy ticket on Delta instead – and I departed for LA! This show is the story of what happened next…
What can audiences expect when they step into this world?
My show has everything you could want from a modern blockbuster – action sequences, montages, product placement, holidays on Jet2 – the nation’s favourite airline – and of course ME! Along the way you’ll meet Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Ryans Reynolds and Gosling, some authentically written gen Z actresses and a money-obsessed male producer who may or may not turn out to be the bad guy. But that’s not all – this cast of thousands is played by a wonderful cast of two – the fabulous Kathy Manuira and Rosalie Minnitt. Whatsmore it’s got jokes by Olivier Award-winner Jon Brittain, BAFTA nominee Tasha Dhanraj and songs from the genius Matthew Floyd Jones (Frisky and Mannish). Essentially, it’s an embarrassment of riches – so get to it before Andy Burnham taxes it all away.
The Edinburgh Fringe is a place where artists and audiences come together from across the world. Why is this the right place for this show?
I’ve always loved the Edinburgh Fringe, dear. Not including the sermon on the mound, I’ve performed here for more years than I was Prime Minister. Nothing beats the atmosphere, the camaraderie, the crepe van, reading other people’s bad reviews – even spending four hours a day walking the cobbles in high heels hasn’t dulled my passion for it. I always say I owe it all to Scotland but unlike Nicola Sturgeon, I don’t have to pay it back!
What is something about the show that the audience might not immediately notice, but you hope they discover?
I’m very lucky to have a dozen ORIGINAL songs in the show. In the past, I always used existing songs – but I resented the money I had to pay for PRS for their usage. This time, I’ve had excellent new songs written for me by Matthew Floyd Jones, the composer of Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder! And thanks to the fact he didn’t read his contract closely enough, I don’t have to pay him at all! So I hope that audiences discover these songs and start a global campaign for us all to record an album. I’d gladly hop in a booth and perform them the only way I know how: loudly.
What has surprised you most about creating this piece?
I always used to work with male co-stars both in politics and in the performing arts. However for this show I decided to be more inclusive and against my better judgement hire some women to support me. I’ve been bowled over by Rosie and Kathy, my brilliant new friends/underlings – who knew it wasn’t just me who was female and talented?! I’ve spent decades trying to rebuild the glass ceiling I smashed back up with bricks – but now, I’m finally doing something to support the sisterhood. And thanks to the gender pay gap, I’m saving a lot of money!
When your audience walks home, what would you love them to still be talking about?
How fabulous my legs are. They really do go on and on and on.
Margaret Thatcher Queen of Hollywood
Piccolo Tent at Assembly George Square Gardens
20.40
5-30 Aug