Words: Rebecca Moore

5 stars 

Matt Tedford as Margaret Thatcher and two brilliant co-stars, Kathy Maniura and Rosalie Minnitt, delight the crowd in The Piccolo Tent, Assembly Gardens with this hilarious, rambunctious, high-energy musical satire.

We begin with Margaret Thatcher winning an Oscar. She is invited to star in her own film version of the Iron Lady! Maggie, with her iconic blue jacket, skirt, exaggerated bouffon and a head large enough with neoliberal policies, gloats through catchy musical song numbers regaling her brilliantly terrible policies and anti-union, anti-society American capitalist agenda. And of course, the fact that she is now going to be a Hollywood star of America.

Meryl Streep directs the film. A big-shot male American producer with hands as big as his ego promises Maggie big things. They take us through topical 80’s films and pop songs as they brainstorm together, until Maggie encounters Hollywood misogyny which leads to her moral conflict.

Whilst going to satirical extremes in tone, there was also a more important point being made here. The connection between the neoliberal capitalism of the 80s to today’s political issues within the UK and beyond. Sending it up with brilliant comedic writing, songs and a tightly coordinated costume and set design.

And for those who didn’t grow up in Maggie’s era, a very camp and entertaining education. 

Margaret Thatcher Queen of Hollywood 
Piccolo Tent at Assembly George Square Gardens
20:40
5-30 Aug