Margaret Thatcher Queen of Hollywood at Assembly George Square Garden’s Review

While one reincarnated Mrs T may dream of it being 1979, it’s 2026 and Assembly’s Piccolo tent is transformed into a glitzy, showbiz wonderland called ‘MAGGIEWOOD’. 

Jon Brittain and Matt Tedford return to Edinburgh with the sequel to their critically acclaimed musical comedy Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho, taking the Iron Lady back to the Fringe with bigger bouffant hair and a perfectly perched handbag. 

This time round, Soho isn’t enough. No, Tinseltown is in Maggie’s sights. Mrs T wins the Oscar for an action-packed biopic about her life and, following thanking herself via song, tells the story of how she became a ‘PriminiStar’ and fought with handsy Hollywood producer Harvey Sexpest and archnemesis Meryl Streep. 

Brittain, Tedford, and Tasha Dhanraj create a ridiculous romp bursting with sharp political satire. Combining eminent Thatcher references (Carol and Dennis mentioned too) with caustic quips at current political figures, it’s silliness with a bite. New PM Andy Burnham and recently deceased politicians don’t fall under the radar either.

Music by Matthew Floyd Jones equally keeps up the cabaret farce; songs like ‘Fu**able’ sung by the two ‘Ryans’ — Gosling and Reynolds, are delightfully witty.

Tedford is a marvel as Mags. Thatcher impressions, with that distinctive low, husky voice are often a trap for stagnancy, yet Tedford maintains momentum in his larger than life delivery which transcends mere imitation. His adaptable comic timing also keeps the audience in check — latecomers and toilet go-ers can’t escape the withering eyes of Mrs T. 

It’s certainly a prop heavy production with a sometimes breakneck pace, but that’s all forgiven amidst its fizzy display of riotous, subversive musical comedy.

It’s a yes, yes, yes!

Runs until the end of the Fringe (30 August) at the Piccolo Tent, Assembly George Square Gardens.

★★★★

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Written by David for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.