Maggie & Me: Beth Marshall on Bringing Damian Barr’s Thatcher to Life

Looking to transcend the conventional biopic, actor Beth Marshall steps into the shoes of Margaret Thatcher in the National Theatre of Scotland’s upcoming production of ‘Maggie & Me’. The play, adapted from Damian Barr’s acclaimed memoir, navigates the tumultuous landscapes of 1980s Lanarkshire through Barr’s childhood eyes, with Thatcher as a pivotal figure.

Marshall had an interesting time taking on such a divisive figure, given her own background: “Hailing from Fife, where Thatcher was especially controversial, I had a deeply ingrained dislike for her. But portraying her in this play required a deep, unexpected dive into her psyche.”

Marshall’s exploration led her to a complex appreciation: “I had to consider Thatcher from a perspective that saw her believing in her policies’ benefit to the country, which added layers to her character that were both intimidating and enlightening.”

Embodying Thatcher in ‘Maggie & Me’ involves a unique interpretative approach shaped heavily by the memories and imaginations of playwright Damian Barr. “This role isn’t about impersonating Thatcher as much as it’s about portraying her as Damian perceived her during his formative years. It’s Thatcher seen through a personal and somewhat fictionalized lens, which makes it both a challenging and creatively fulfilling role.”

Barr has adapted his memoir with continually rising star, James Ley, an unknown quantity to Beth, “I’ve heard from others, his particular style, but we’re not privy to their writing conversations. In the rehearsal room they’ve been madly scribbling and rewriting based on what we say though!”

Discussing the dynamic of working directly with Damian Barr, Marshall shared, “Having Damian so hands on has been invaluable. His personal stories and the emotions tied to them add a depth that you can’t get from just reading a script. It’s his life, his truth, and bringing that to life gives me a profound sense of responsibility and sensitivity.”

The production’s direction by Suba Das has also significantly influenced her performance. “Suba has created an environment where we can explore these complex characters safely and supportively. The atmosphere he fosters allows us to navigate the emotionally charged material without reservation.”

The camaraderie among the ‘Maggie & Me’ cast, facilitated by the shared challenge of conveying such a personal and politically charged story, seems to have been a source of strength and inspiration. “There’s a shared commitment in the cast to authentically portray this narrative. The bonds we’ve formed have been essential in helping us collectively approach the material with the necessary gravitas and empathy.”

As ‘Maggie & Me’ prepares to meet its audience, Marshall reflects on the broader implications of the play: “This production is more than a historical recount or a personal saga—it challenges us to consider the broader impacts of political figures on individual lives. Through Damian’s story, we confront themes of identity, resilience, and the shaping of our perceptions by those in power.”

Marshall is hopeful about the impact of the play: “By presenting a narrative that intertwines personal pain with political actions, we aim to offer a space for reflection and understanding. I hope it encourages audiences to engage with the past in a way that enlightens their present and enriches their understanding of complex historical figures. Most importantly, for those in the audience who have felt unseen, I hope this play offers a moment of recognition and being seen.”

For more information on ‘Maggie and Me’ or the National Theatre of Scotland, click here.