Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed 15 June 2016
Almost since the beginning of humanity, political satire has been everywhere. From underneath the dulcet words of Shakespeare’s plays to the witty skulduggery of the TV series Yes, Prime Minister, the public have enjoyed lampooning their elected representatives. Whilst some have faded into memory, several have risen to infamy. One such person was former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The longest serving British Prime Minister of the 20th century, her actions gained admirers and critics in equal measure. Her 11 year reign inspired a legion of satirical jibes with Margaret Thatcher: Queen of Soho the latest. Co-created by Jon Brittain and Matt Tedford, it charts one of the many tumultuous periods of the infamous ‘Iron Lady’s reign. Whilst the person herself is now deceased, her legend endures, which is good for us as this wicked cabaret experience is one to behold.
Set in 1988, Margaret Thatcher: Queen of Soho uses a plot strand of Margaret Thatcher grappling with the issue of Section 28 – a piece of legislation banning the ‘promotion of homosexuality by local authorities including schools’. Meeting several instigators and opponents during her voyage of gay discovery, Thatcher addresses her fears and tenacity to her paying audience. Whilst this all sounds quite serious, the show is anything but. What makes it interesting is how it educates the legislation’s draconian nature and how British politicians in the late 20th century could be so biased as to eagerly support it. It’s a very entertaining history lesson deeply resonating with certain areas of our own current national politics. Although there is a smattering of locality in the show, Margaret Thatcher: Queen of Soho generally adheres to its established British template. In fairness an announcer begins the show by stating this is the case but it is no less enjoyable for that.
Matt Tedford shines as the Iron Lady as do his two male cohorts who energetically carry off the many characters they play. Although Tedford only bares a passing resemblance to Thatcher, he conveys her essence so well. A somewhat pathetic, indecisive but still stoic figure, her golden years were about to fade in the period of the show’s setting. It’s interesting how this one era captures her persona well, in between the many outrageous antics of Tedford and co. Naughty they certainly are with many song and dance numbers drawing in the audience. You can tell how good a show is by the audience engagement, which was at high voltage in the show’s first Australian performance. A blend of bawdy British pantomime and Australian vaudeville, the show moved at a brisk pace with the crowd laughing and stomping feet with gay abandon.
It would be spoiling the fun for potential viewers to reveal the show’s surprises, although an appearance from a former Prime Minister had the audience in stitches. This moment captured how good the ensemble was in the art of ad-libbing but pushing the limits of the show’s flexible format. The music slotted into the plot well with the humour at once cuttingly satirical but often poignant as well. That is the mark of a well-crafted show, to use comedy in a way to express the anger at such a silly piece of legislation while celebrating equality in all its forms.
Margaret Thatcher: Queen of Soho does humanise an often monstrous persona in its subject but in a way as to reveal her foibles and mis-guided intentions at being so easily led by others with sinister agendas. The staging and lighting were excellent and Tedford’s on-stage co-conspirators should be proud of their ability to gleefully add to the fun in an often sexily rude manner.
Full of camp, glitter, fun and fascinating history Margaret Thatcher: Queen of Soho is a delightful romp of camp proportions. Admirers of the Iron Lady may be aghast at how she’s portrayed although it’s safe to say this isn’t a show for the silver-spoon-set. An often very salacious portrait of Thatcherism at its worst, it’s sure to provide an enjoyable evening in the company of a lady who always knew how to effectively wear a pearl necklace.
Reviewed by: Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14
Rating out of 5: 5
Venue: Space Theatre
Season: 15 – 17 June 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 10 mins.
Tickets: Adult – $49.90, A Reserve – Adult: $44.90, A Reserve – Conc: $39.90.
Bookings: Book online through the Adelaide Cabaret Festival website or phone BASS on 131 246
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http://www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au/
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