King’s Head Theatre, London – until 5 May 2024
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
5*****
Awkward Productions’ Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story is the gift that keeps on giving. Camp, chaotic and absolutely hilarious, this show delivers the unexpected (sometimes even for the performers themselves).
Diana deigns to share her story with the audience at the King’s Head, direct from heaven. And we get the WHOLE story, from conception to royal death plots. Written and performed brilliantly by Linus Karp, this Diana has all the familiar mannerisms, phrases and iconic outfits, and the already absurd story of royal life becomes wonderfully unhinged and ridiculous as Diana takes matters into her own hands.
We are reminded of Diana’s bona fides as a humanitarian, queer icon and Princess of Hearts by on and offstage cameos from audience members playing teachers, corgis… and landmines… The genius of involving the audience creates a new experience every time you see the show – on press night, Diana was lucky to have the hottest parents ever – and the intuition and charm of co-director Joseph Martin watching the audience file in and then picking victims has paid off each time I’ve been.
Video appearances from Geri “I am the Queen” Allen, counting down her reign as she plots against Diana, and Zina Badran as God add even more fabulous nonsense to the proceedings, while Charles is a cardboard cutout very subtly de-aged. The demonic voice of Camilla promises silliness, but nothing can prepare you for Joseph Martin’s rough handling of the Camilla puppet as it jumps on anything with a pulse within reach – completely bonkers.
Karp and Martin have created one of the best shows out there. Mad as a box of frogs and a wonderful evening of communal joy and side-splitting silliness, Diana is simply brilliant entertainment … whatever entertainment means.