Review: Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho, Fringe 2024

I first became aware of Matt Tedford as wicked ‘Iron Lady’ Margaret Thatcher one Fringe – probably 2016 or 2017 – when he was promoting Margaret Thatcher: Queen of Game Shows.

I don’t remember how; I believe it was a guest slot to promote the main show – which I bought a ticket for, but then couldn’t attend for some reason. I’m hazy because this was years ago, but I do know that from that one guest slot, Tedford’s Thatcher left quite an impression on me!

So much so, I actually got quite excited when I realised I could finally go along to see a full hour of one of Matt’s shows as Thatcher. It was my first – and only – time in the big purple Udderbelly cow this year, but I’m always happy to be there.

As an aside, I do think ‘alternate timeline drag cabaret’ is perhaps becoming its own genre (what with Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story – another of my faves).

Vibe

There was a very fun, excited atmosphere as I entered the Udderbelly for Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho, and I managed to snag a good seat to enjoy the show, which is a riotously funny, fabulous and rip-roaring cabaret full of energetic musical numbers.

It’s a show about the Margaret Thatcher who Never Was, and therefore you’ll experience the Iron Lady as you’ve never seen her before, with strong ’80s vibes throughout.

The show itself

We start off singing to the YMCA, but Thatcher has to stop midway through and start all over again, this time with the whole audience doing the moves. It’s a strong start to the show that gets everyone in the mood for some camp ’80s fun, and it only gets better from there.

The show focuses on Thatcher tackling Section 28 and the ban on “promotion of homosexuality”, whilst dealing with villain Jill Knight and even having a conversation with a portrait of Winston Churchill. What will Thatcher do? Get lost in Soho and become a gay icon, of course!

The revolving door of characters supporting Thatcher in this show are played by two incredibly talented moustachioed gents in denim shorts and white vest tops, and they interact with the Iron Lady in hilarious ways – dancing, switching characters, and even spitting water all over Thatch’s demure handbag. Noooooo!

Tedbury has truly mastered the character of the Iron Lady, from the voice and outfit, right down to her mannerisms and the way she moves on stage. He’s confident, well used to dealing with his stage buddies and their shenanigans, and is a joy to watch perform. I laughed so much.

This is a show (written by Tedford and Jon Brittain) that’s apparently been going strong for a while now, but has been updated to keep it fresh and still wildly funny. This was an absolute delight to go and see, didn’t let up for a second, and I left feeling very satisfied with this new alternate timeline of events.

I was sad I wasn’t allowed to take photos, so the one above will have to do.

Overall

I’d waited years to see Matt Tedbury as Margaret Thatcher, and this Fringe I finally got to see him in this amazing powerhouse of a show. One of my favourite watches of the Edinburgh Fringe 2024, and one you absolutely won’t regret.

I hope I get to see more of Tedbury’s Thatcher, because he’s just absolutely bloody brilliant.