Live Theatre, Newcastle – until 11 July 2025
Reviewed by HRH Lindsay, the Spectacular Princess of the Orphans
5*****
Last night, I finally managed to see a show I have been desperate to see for ages – Untrue Diana from the Aurora award-winning Awkward Productions.
Utter hysterical madness from Linus Karp and Joseph Martin (who we hope gets well soon). Before Diana arrives down from heaven, Martin hands out the extra onstage and offstage parts. Such roles as Archbishop of Canterbury, Diana’s nanny, various teachers and her parents.
Once Diana appears on stage – straight after being born – we follow a riotous, unhinged, queer retelling of the untold and untrue story of the Queen of Hearts, the People’s Princess, Lady Di, all told to us by Diana (Linus Karp) herself.
Her meeting with Prince Charles, the wedding, giving birth to William and Harry and then we meet the beast from hell, who wrecked her perfect life, Camilla.
With interactions from the Queen, Mother Teresa, and God amongst others, the show gleefully lampoons everything from royal protocol to media sensationalism, all while inviting us to celebrate Diana as a symbol of rebellion, compassion, and a queer and fashion icon.
Karp’s performance is magnetic, blending clowning, comedy, and sincerity in equal measure. Audience participation adds a wild, unpredictable energy that keeps every performance fresh and fiercely alive. A huge shout out to last night’s ‘Diana’s Dad’ – you were amazing.
If you’re looking for a show that’s bold, bizarre, and brilliantly original, Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story is unmissable. Prepare to laugh until you cry, “Whatever laugh until you cry means”