LOVE or hate her, Maggie Thatcher had left an indelible mark on Britain at every level of society and on every political animal or head of state who was brave enough to cross her unilateral path.

And the Queen, come to think of it, with a heavy shove from Moira Buffini’s sparky comedy Handbagged, surely is no exception to the rule.

But what went on behind closed doors, in the weekly audiences they were compelled to observe as monarch and Prime Minister, during Maggie’s tumultuous terms?

The play explores just that blending hearsay, educated guesses and sheer imaginings of their private powwows as the ebb and flow of history swept the nation, and divided the two most powerful women in Britain; one destined to rule, the other elected to lead.

Buffini's award-winning comedy speculates on those most provocative of questions: what did the world's most powerful women really talk about behind closed doors in the seclusion of the palace? When the stiff upper lip softened and the gloves came off, which one had the upper hand? And the answer is often not what we might suspect in this slow-burning showdown.

As a young(er) Liz (Emma Handy) and Mags (Sanchia McCormack)’s meetings unfold in front of us, their older, yet barely more mature, selves, the Queen (Susie Blake) and Mrs Thatcher (Kate Fahy), watch on, interjecting with gusto, sharing hilarious insights into their frame of mind (they each confess to tuning out of the tedious chit chat during their very first official encounter) correcting facts and false impressions – and in many ways rewriting history.

As a quartet the leading ladies are a force to be reckoned with, deliciously belligerent, a tad frantic (particularly the Iron Lady), but never quite overstepping the mark - they show flawless comedic flair.

Despite having fewer lines than the rest of the cast, Susie Blake particularly stands out as the Queen and proves the true firecracker of the production. Snapping at her heels is Sanchia McCormack who seamlessly transforms on stage, her distinct mannerisms and gait gradually mirroring and becoming one with her older self’s.

Asif Khan who plays in turn an African leader, the Queen’s press secretary and in a hilarious turn Nancy Regan, in patent red stilettos and twin set, injects much-needed fun and lightness into the sombre scenes reflecting on Maggie’s tough dealings on the world stage.

Wonderfully engaging, cunningly observed and delightfully cheeky, Handbagged is a lesson in crafting comedy.

Handbagged is on at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday.