Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story

 
Kate Nora Review by Kate Nora 4 Published: 22 Aug 2024 Pleasance Courtyard Show Dates: 20 Aug 2024-24 Aug 2024

Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story is a joyful reimagining of the Princess of Wales' life, told with wildly speculative poetic licence.

Take that, Camilla

Linus Karp, our leading man is a "very demure, very mindful" Lady Di, with an uncanny impersonation of her intonation, mannerisms, and hatred of landmines. Charles is a cardboard cut out (probably still a better dancer than the original), the Queen is on a permanent Zoom call, and Camilla appears as a life-size rag doll possessed by a terrifying demon.

The rest of the show relies on audience participation. Various members of the public are brandished with character names and props, unsure of their lines until the very moment they are called on stage. This night's show conveniently featured a lot of 'theatre kids', but the format could work just as well with more reluctant volunteers, adding to the humour of the show and generating a level of overall audience engagement that I don't think I've ever seen at another Fringe show (including improv).

Lady Di’s life story is such well-trod material that it would be hard to imagine a new angle, but Awkward Productions capture the spirit of our fascination with this almost mythical princess and use it to bring joy to the masses. And Karp’s passionate messages of support for the queer community, a cause close to both the actor and character’s hearts, were a touching aspect of the show. Such an enjoyable evening of entertainment, camaraderie, and LGBTQ+ allyship. Take that, Camilla — 1-nil.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

Following a sold-out, award-winning run at the Fringe last year, the People's Princess is back! Do you know the story of Diana? Probably. But do you know our story of Diana? We very much doubt it. Join Diana in heaven as she shares the untold and untrue tale of her extraordinary life. Combining drag, multimedia, audience interaction, puppetry and a lot of queer joy – this unique celebration of the peoples princess is as hilarious as it is tasteless. 'Outrageous triumph' (Edgar Wright). 'Repellent trash' (Daily Mail).