Peggy For You at the Hampstead Theatre

Agents are not supposed to be more famous than their clients – unless, of course, you are the formidable, outrageous and hilarious Peggy Ramsay… Alan Plater’s raucously funny play is peopled with characters who fall under the spell of this unlikely heroine, who believed infinitely more in art than she did in money – or in good manners.

Based on the famous, or some may say infamous, literary and theatrical agent Margarete ‘Peggy’ Ramsey,  Peggy For You brings this female pioneer into the spotlight.  She ran her own business as a master in this field from the 1950s until her death in the 1990s.  She represented some of the most famous play writes from the era including Joe Orton, David Aher and J.B.Priestley to name just a few.  She has become the shorthand for what many people think or when imagine female agents; forceful, witty and ruthless.

This new production of this 90s play, written by one of Peggy’s own clients, highlights not just her quick-witted, hilarious and forceful nature but it also doesn’t shy away from showing her less than flattering side.  Her hatred for women in particular and her unsympathetic nature towards her clients should make her an unlikable character, but she can’t help but win over the audience with her unpredictable, slightly manic stylings.

The set at the Hampstead Theatre is wonderfully detailed and really gives the audience the feeling like they are listening in through the 4th wall to the private, and not so private, conversations in Peggy’s office.

This delightful show is a great for the theatre lovers in the audience who will enjoy the inside quips and digs at famous writers and the business side of making theatre.  This character study is a hilarious and enjoyable show that’s well worth seeing before it run ends on the 29th of January.  Tickets for Peggy for You start from £18 and can be bought from the Hampstead Theatre website

Tickets were gifted in exchange for a review, all words and opinions are my own.