Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story at King’s Head Theatre

Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story is a play that relies on the audience to set the tone for the performance. A crowd of energetic and willing participants can significantly affect the atmosphere of the room. Fortunately for Awkward Productions – the company behind this fantastic and quirky retelling of Princess Diana’s life – opening night is full of playful campers who are more than happy to dance, sing and even perform with Linus Karp as Lady Di, making the experience electric and unforgettable.

The production recounts the conception, birth and entry into heaven of the former Princess of Wales. It cleverly intertwines puns related to her passing with pop culture references, including future adaptations of herself (aptly titled the “Diana Multiverse”), and Royal Family affairs – ranging from the scandalous tale of Charles and Camilla’s relationship to Prince Andrew’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein. Despite the potentially heavy themes, Karp’s charisma and the inventive use of props keep the 75-minute runtime upbeat and full of laughter.

Karp and the rest of the crew go all out using a mix of different theatre staples, such as physical props and constant costume changes, along with screens and digital media. The prompts for the audience’s lines are displayed up front, and even if someone’s delivery isn’t as high-energy as it is for Karp, the actual text using internet vernacular can undoubtedly pop a positive reaction from those still seated and watching. Karp’s amazing improv skills and comedic timing are just the cherry on top. If that’s not enough, the cardboard cutout of Prince Charles is sure to send a few audience members into a fit of giggles. Still, some of the production choices can be a bit out of place – like Camilla being represented as a gruelling and monstrous doll. While this makes for some funny interactions, there’s a point of excess in showcasing the now Queen in this manner, so much so that the laughter starts to dissipate.

Beyond the fun times, the silliness and lighthearted digs at the rest of the Royal Family, Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story presents a lonely sort of longing and wondering of what could’ve been had Diana lived: the kind of heights she would’ve reached, and the changes she might have made. The genuine sadness for what the UK has lost that is conveyed is the emotional core of the entire performance, and prevents it from becoming just another parody. Instead, it’s a play full of heart and hope for better things to come. It’s especially endearing in its focus on Diana’s relationship with the LGBTQ+ community, showcased through a montage of images from pride parades. All that is to show, Diana continues to live on in people’s hearts, especially those who her kindness has positively affected the most.

Wonderful, funny and fabulously charming, Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story is a must-watch for any theatre-goer. It’s a feel-good celebration of the late Princess, capturing her enduring legacy and bittersweet longing for what could’ve been if she were still here today.

Mae Trumata
Images: Dave Bird

Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story is at King’s Head Theatre from 17^th April until 5^th May 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.