Darkly Funny and Deeply Human: The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher Reviewed

Rating: ★★★★

What an exciting, original, edge-of-your-seat drama Alexandra Wood has delivered to audiences at Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre. This psychological thriller is gripping and violent, yet vulnerable and naïve in equal measure.

The intricate narrative is expertly executed by Robbie O’Neill and Anita Reynolds, who superbly deliver a rollercoaster of emotions that has the audience resonating with each character’s situation. You feel their fear and frustrations, rooting for them both to emerge unscathed as they are simply ‘ordinary’ people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

It is sometimes difficult for an audience to engage with a play consisting of only two characters, just as I imagine it must be challenging for the actors themselves. Their reliance on one another to deliver such a compelling performance demands complete trust and respect. Their flawless execution of both roles elevates the play to heady heights.

Through a series of ‘what if?’ scenarios, the production explores events that could have happened — and perhaps still could — when public figures become deeply divisive. While political in nature and examining the decline of Liverpool during Margaret Thatcher’s time as Prime Minister, the play also expertly captures the human cost borne by the working class and minority communities during that era.

There are several moments that will make audiences jump and flinch — without giving too much away — and the transitions between scenes are handled seamlessly through John Young’s direction. This modern theatrical approach feels unique and highly effective.

This is a play that can and should be enjoyed regardless of political standpoint, and it is certainly one not to miss.

To book tickets, contact the box offices of either the Everyman Theatre or the Playhouse.

Synopsis

It takes just a moment to make history, and this lady has certainly secured her place in the history books.

Based on the incendiary short story by Hilary Mantel, The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher is darkly funny and dangerously tense — a gripping psychological thriller created for Liverpool, the Everyman, and our politically volatile times. Written by Alexandra Wood and directed by John Young, this daring world premiere is an audacious exploration of power, class, and conviction that asks the biggest ‘what if?’ of them all.

It’s late summer, 1983. Out in the street, the world waits to greet Margaret Thatcher as she emerges from hospital following routine surgery. But here in this room, her life is up for deadly debate… and history is holding its breath.

Two people. One window. One gun.

If the time comes to pull the trigger, which side of history will you be on?

Photo Credit: Marc Brenner