Upon viewing
a successful combination of music, humour and social commentary.
Tedford is as clever as he is formidable in his portrayal of Thatcher and a wonder to watch with the crowd, sparing latecomers no trial and berating any who dare interrupt. Supporting Tedford are the talented duo Hessell and Tine who bring a dynamic energy to the stage in their enriching portrayal of various historical political figures, whilst sound and lighting are delivered in perfect harmony with the acting.
Thematically, the show proficiently threads in commentary on the rich tapestry of the British political circuit, showing a remarkable ability to stay relevant in its contemporary period with snarky potshots at current political figures, Tory, Labour, and SNP alike. Its parodies are incisive like a Private Eye come to the stage: the pantomime-esque villainy of Jill Knight; Churchill as Thatcher’s repressed guardian angel; the rock and roll escapism of Peter Tatchell in Sid Vicious attire. The show carefully showcases both the ineptitude and cronyism of government as much as it does Thatcher’s bloated ego in a production that delves into tropes of identity, acceptance and power structures, moving seamlessly from humour to poignancy with a casual flick of the wrist.
The flamboyant acting is delivered magnificently from all, but does this mean the music is on par too? Not as much as one would hope for, angling closer to shouting than singing. But Tedford can be forgiven on this front given he maintains a strikingly accurate Thatcher accent throughout the entirety of the act, the oft-warbled disco tunes a by-product of upholding an uncanny likeness in the mannerisms of the Iron Lady herself. Pacing too is also untidy given that we overshoot by several minutes, where the last quarter doesn’t feel as smooth as the rest of the show. It pays off in the end, however, as we’re conferred a parting gift in the form of a Donna Summer tribute complete with feather boas and miniskirts to reveal the raunchier side of Tedford’s Thatcher.
Truly, Margaret Thatcher: Queen of Soho’s lingering notes are ones of sardonic wit and feisty liberation, a daring and playful act that presents one of Britain’s most divisive figures against a backdrop of LGBTQI+ culture in a successful combination of music, humour and social commentary.
