Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho says her show is like the Iron Lady but with dance...

Tell us about your Fringe show

My show tells the story of how I, Margaret Thatcher, went from being Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to one of the greatest all round entertainers in the world, when, on the eve of the vote on Section 28, I got lost in Soho and accidentally became a cabaret superstar. Basically it’s like the Iron Lady with dance numbers. It’s a camp odyssey of dancing, drama, comedy, capers, politics, glitter, and….best of all me!

Best thing about the Fringe?

Being on the Royal Mile and meeting the general public - as you know I never had much time for them while I was in office but I quite like them now. If I had I known they were so clean I may have made more of an effort. And of course the people of Scotland in particular have always loved me - so much so that the police warned me not to perform at the Fringe in case I start a riot - but I’m coming anyway!

Worst thing about the Fringe?

Having to walk up and down the street. Heels and cobbles don't mix dear. No wonder the women on Coronation Street never seemed happy - aside from the general depression that comes from having to live in the North of England!

How many years have you been coming to the Fringe?

This is my second year dear, or term as I like to call it. Last year was a smash hit, the people voted with their wallets and now I’m back! And thanks to the British electorate we still have a Tory government so I don’t have to change any of the references in last year’s material.

Favourite Fringe venue?

Why, it’s obviously the Bosco Tent in the Assembly Gardens in George Square! I loved performing there last year and I never thought of going anywhere else - well, apart from the castle, but it soon became clear that Edinburgh council simply wasn’t going to let me cancel the Tattoo and replace it with my show.

Best Fringe memory?

Last year I flyered for my show as intensively as if I was on the campaign trail - I was in it to win. I got into burger vans, shook hands, kissed babies, but I had the most fun dropping into Edinburgh’s best gay bar CC Blooms! I tended bar, sung songs and danced with many young men who may never have gotten into Thatcher before that night, but they certainly did by the end of it.

Best heckle?

I don't do heckles dear. I didn’t take them from Tony Benn. I am not taking them for the public.

Craziest on stage experience?

The Conservative party conference, 1990. Oh, and there was that time at one of my extra shows last year at 1.30am when a woman threw up in someone else’s handbag.

What’s on your rider?

Contrary to popular belief I am not that fussy. A mirror, some hairspray, four bottles of whisky and someone to help me into my car after I’ve drunk them.

How do you wind down after a show?

I am not one for relaxing. In the past I have survived on only a few hours sleep and in Edinburgh that seems like a benefit. I can often be found in the bar after a show with my adoring fans or simply plotting, I mean, planning my next adventure. And if that fails? Whisky.

What do you love about Scotland?

It’s not Wales.

What do you like about Edinburgh?

It’s basically as English as you can get North of the Border.

What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?

As you know when I was PM I often had to deal with some colourful characters and very difficult situations. And if there is one thing I value it is loyalty. However there were often times I was betrayed or stabbed in the back by a member of the Conservative party. I think the Scottish people can relate to that!

What kind of jokes do a Scottish crowd seem to respond to?

SNP parliamentary candidates.

Favourite joke?

A Scotsman, a Welshman and an Irishman walk into an unemployment office…...actually probably not the best audience…

 

Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho is on nightly throughout the Fringe Festival at the Assembly Gardens (Bosco)