At the Everyman theatre in Liverpool, a new stage adaptation of Hilary Mantel's short story 'The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher – August 6th 1983' proves to be both provocative and powerful. The production, directed by John Young, begins as a culture clash comedy, blending cups of tea with deadly intent, before evolving into a boldly arresting two-hander.
Playwright Alexandra Wood has sensitively adapted Mantel's original tale, preserving its humour while dramatising its political undercurrents. The story, set in a genteel Windsor home, follows a woman whose encounter with a man presumed to be a plumber takes a dark turn when it emerges he has a gun and his sights set on the neighbouring hospital where the prime minister is due to appear.
The play is rooted in the era of IRA hunger strikers, the sinking of the Belgrano, and high unemployment, exploring themes of power and powerlessness. It questions the limits of direct action in the face of a shared enemy, offering a thought-provoking examination of political violence.
John Young's production takes a dramatic turn when the literal interior set, complete with floral bedspread and working kettle, is ripped apart. As full-size dolls in blue Thatcher dresses rain down, actors Robbie O'Neill and Anita Reynolds fall into a metaphorical netherworld, exploring the ramifications of Mantel's story. Simisola Majekodunmi's lighting and Kieran Lucas's sound design add to the intensity, creating a bold and provocative adaptation that remains faithful to its source.
