Nailing the Spirit of Age: Serious Money as a Theatrical Response to the Cultural and Economic Policies of Thatcherism

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines Serious Money by Caryl Churchill as a theatrical response to Thatcherism’s cultural and economic policies in 1980s Britain. It explores how the play critiques financial deregulation and the rise of aggressive capitalism under Margaret Thatcher. The analysis reflects broader social and cultural anxieties of the time. Research Methodology: The research uses textual analysis of the Methuen edition of Serious Money. It focuses on the play’s structure, language, and characters. Secondary literature on Thatcherism, neoliberalism, and British theatre is also considered. The study situates the play within the socio-economic context of the 1980s. Historical and political sources highlight the play’s response to key policies like the Big Bang of 1986. Results: The analysis shows Serious Money critiques Thatcher-era values. It uses satire and fragmented narratives to expose the moral bankruptcy of deregulated capitalism. The play’s inventive dramaturgy reflects the chaotic ethos of financial markets. It emerges as a key cultural artifact of the period. Limitations: The study is limited by its focus on textual analysis and does not include performance analysis, which could provide further insights into the play’s reception and impact. Additionally, it primarily examines the British context, leaving room for comparative studies of similar theatrical responses in other neoliberal economies. Contribution: This research contributes to the discourse on the interplay between theatre and politics, demonstrating how Churchill’s Serious Money serves as both a critique and a reflection of the Thatcher era’s socio-economic realities. It underscores the role of theatre as a medium for socio-political commentary and as a historical lens for understanding cultural transformations.