EDINBURGH 2016 - Review: MARGARET THATCHER QUEEN OF GAME SHOWS, Assembly, 9 August
I saw Margaret Thatcher: Queen of Soho when it debuted at the Fringe two years ago and I loved it. However, I suspected that it was perhaps a one-off, an act that you couldn't really do much more with. Thankfully, I was very wrong - Jon Brittain and Matt Tedford have created a follow-up show even better than the first.
In this one, Margaret Thatcher has the audience competing for their benefits in order to win the golden giro cheque. Splitting the crowd into Team Strivers and Team Skivers, they engage in a series of political games where there can only be one winner. With rounds that involve destroying the NHS, bricking up the channel tunnel and piecing together The Sun headlines, it really is like nothing else at the Fringe.
During the performance, Maggie is visited by the ghosts of gameshow past along with several political guest stars. Admitting that recent political events caused them to rewrite half of the show, we have a particularly hilarious appearance from Nicola Sturgeon who vows to keep holding referendums until she gets the result she wants.
The song selection for the show is excellent. A particular highlight was a duet of "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better" with Angela Merkel. The rest was a mix of 80s pop classics, which make this feel more like a drag show.
Margaret Thatcher: Queen of Game Shows is a truly unique experience that has been so cleverly written and I would strongly recommend it.
Margaret Thatcher: Queen of Game Shows runs at Assembly George Sq Gardens until 28 August
Read our interview with Jon Brittain
Reader Reviews
Get Broadway News on WhatsApp
Receive the latest updates, breaking news, and exclusive coverage from Broadway directly in WhatsApp.
|
Elvis in Chaos Lime Studio at Greenside @ George Street (8/07-8/15) |
|
Heated Rivalry: The Musical Parody! Gilded Balloon Patter House - Other Yin (8/05-8/30) |
|
The Business Man and The Case of M. Valdemar Greenside Venue @ Riddles Court (Willow Studio) – Venue 16 - 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG (8/07-8/28) |
|
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Alhambra Theatre (10/07-10/10) |
|
Tell Me Summerhall (Dissection Room) (8/07-8/31) |
|
Long Way Home Gilded Balloon (Snug) (8/05-8/31) |
|
Sanctuary Pleasance Dome (Ace Dome) (8/05-8/31) |
|
Reparations Pleasance Courtyard (Above) (8/05-8/30) |
|
Glob Underbelly (8/05-8/30) |
|
Father, Away She Goes Zoo (Playground 1) (8/07-8/30) |