Handbagged - Altrincham Garrick

MARGARET Thatcher, like numerous prime ministers before her, had regular, private audiences with the Queen.

What was said remained a closely guarded secret of course, however, I can recall rumblings in the media at the time, suggesting they didn't always see eye to eye on certain issues.

But what did these two powerful women really talk about? Award-winning writer Moira Buffini takes that idea and runs with it in this classy comedy set inside the corridors of power. This really is clever stuff, without being dry or self indulgent and Buffini certainly doesn't gloss over the fact Mrs T was, politically, something of a "Marmite" figure.

In this production, expertly directed by Carole Carr, you get two actresses playing Maggie and both Caroline Knight and Fiona Primrose sound remarkably like the real thing. Close your eyes and you could be in the presence of the so-called Iron Lady. We also get a double dose of He Majesty, with Dawn Flint and Rachel Horobin sharing the crown.

Now, if you're an actor looking to test your versatility look no further than Handbagged. Mark Edgar and Jamie Sloan take on a variety of roles from Denis Thatcher to Nancy Reagan snd te end result is much hilarity. Sloan's portrayal of the stick like former First Lady is a show stealing performance from a man who was born to be funny.

This is the Garrick's production of the season for me - do not miss it.

* Until February 4. The box office is on 0161 928 1677. Star rating - *****