Miriam Margolyes is a national treasure. As she takes to the stage at the 1,000-seater Pentland Theatre, it becomes immediately clear just how well-loved she is: the crowd hollers and cheers, continuing to do so after every single joke or remark. Thankfully, Margolyes delivers a performance certainly worthy of such continual appreciation. Margolyes & Dickens: More Best Bits is split into two: first, Miriam discusses her life, accompanied by readings of Charles Dickens; and then onto a lively audience Q and A. The show has been constructed to boast Margolyes’ many talents, for not only is she a brilliant speaker and documentary-maker, but also truly a remarkable actress.
Margolyes’ ability to embody tens of Dickens characters, from the snobby Mr Bumble to the eccentric Miss Havisham, is enthralling, leaving the audience hanging onto every single word. As the first half flits from Dickens extracts to moments of Margolyes’ life, despite the occasional clunky transition, it becomes progressively clear just how passionate Margolyes is about this author. It makes every reading special. Similarly, as a host Miriam holds a twinkle in her eye that makes it seem like every story has never been told before (despite this being the 11th night…). She is authentic, lively, and incredibly committed to her various characterisations.
As if the audience were not already spoilt, it is in the next Q and A section that Margolyes & Dickens: More Best Bits truly comes to life. Margolyes of course delights with her unfiltered brutal responses – she describes John Cleese as the ‘nastiest man in show business’ and admits she has never read a Harry Potter book. Yet what holds even greater impact is Margolyes’ incredible political awareness, choosing to stand up for what she believes is just and right. She denounces the Israelis’ ‘cruel treatment of the Palestinians’, describes J.K. Rowling as holding ‘little moral power’, and attests her disgust for Nigel Farage. Margolyes is staggeringly eloquent in her political responses, delivering a near-essay on the difficulties of remaining happy in such dark and challenging times. She feels incredibly relatable and authentic because she admits vulnerabilities, confessing ‘I don’t know’ how to feel happy in these times, and declaring just how much she adored her mother.
To be in the presence of such a bold, intellectual, and articulate individual is truly an honour. I left the theatre feeling as if I had been gossiping with an eccentric, kind and thoughtful aunt one-on-one (despite the presence of 1,000 other people leaving the theatre thinking the exact same thing…).
