Hilary Mantel’s Play on Margaret Thatcher Premieres in Liverpool
Hilary Mantel’s The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher has made its stage debut at the Liverpool Everyman theatre. The play, adapted by Alexandra Wood from Mantel’s original short story, imagines a fictional plot to kill the former Prime Minister during the 1980s. The work explores complex political and social themes beyond its provocative title.
Background and Themes of the Play
The story is set in 1983 and follows a sniper from Liverpool who plans to assassinate Margaret Thatcher while she is in a flat in Windsor. The sniper gains entry by posing as a plumber and waits for the Prime Minister to appear at a window. Mantel was inspired to write the story after seeing Thatcher from her own flat in Windsor, realizing how vulnerable the Prime Minister could have been.
While the title was intended to provoke strong reactions, the play delves into serious issues such as violence against politicians, political disenfranchisement, and how people might resolve their differences without resorting to violence. The characters engage in discussions about their motives and the political climate of the time, highlighting the tensions and divisions in society.
Reception and Contemporary Relevance
The story originally sparked controversy when published in 2014, with some critics condemning it as vindictive. Despite this, the play’s makers emphasize that it does not advocate violence. Alexandra Wood, the playwright, stresses that the drama is not inciting violence but rather examining the reasons behind political anger and the consequences of feeling powerless.
Liverpool’s history with Thatcher’s policies adds a layer of local significance to the play, as the city experienced industrial decline and high unemployment during her tenure. The play reflects on these issues while also addressing broader questions about political discourse and the dangers of extreme actions.
Recent real-world incidents of violence against politicians in the UK and the US have made the play’s themes particularly relevant. The director, John Young, notes that the story remains timely as society continues to grapple with political polarization and the erosion of respectful debate.
The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher runs at the Liverpool Everyman theatre until 23 May.