Awkward Productions present
Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story
Newcastle Live Theatre
Until
Whilst the emphasis is the latest show at the Live Theatre being a fantasy that is untrue, anyone with a passing knowledge into the Diana story will recognise many elements contained within it. In doing so, that level of recognition makes the show funny, very funny.
After the success of Gwyneth Goes Skiing at Live Theatre, Awkward Productions are BACK with their multi award winning, Edinburgh Fringe sell-out show Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story. Do you know the story of Diana? Probably. But do you know this 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 has won multiple awards and sold out venues across the UK. A celebration of Ar Di that is as hilarious as it is tasteless. Visiting Newcastle for the very first time, fresh from a World Tour. "
There is a level of audience participation. One of the "crew" start the show by awarding roles to the members of the audience - but don't panic as people are volunteers, those who don't want a role are not pushed to take them. Likewise, the roles are not intended to offend or upset those who take part. Having said that, the evening's fun does rely on the participants "going for it" in their roles.
Creator Linus Karp appears as Diana, 80s icon and all round people's princess. The other roles are filled in from the audience - with the exception of Charles (a cardboard cut out is used, that is life like in that Diana is taller, and a large puppet is Camilla. So characters, including The Queen, appear on a big screen.
The tale begins with the conception and birth of Diana, setting the tongue in cheek tone for the rest of the show. She meets Charles and after a short time he wants to present her to the Queen (Geri Allen). At this point Charles makes reference to "whatever love is" when asked if they are in love. Whilst the context is not the same exactly it is one of those often repeated moments that the television cameras picked up upon in the early days of the real relationship. Each of these moments was frequently accompanied by a knowing laugh from the audience. In that respect the show clearly works as the audience regularly laugh. It is a comedy after all.
So most of the story loosely sticks to the truth as one understands it up to a point (no plot spoilers here) before hurtling off on a fantasy tangent. The audience participants got very much into their roles too and the show breaks the fourth wall in a panto like way regularly. That element of belonging creating a unique experience that is enjoyable.
Joseph Martin was the hard working props and puppetry guy who also brought Camilla to life. It was crucial that the props arrived on time for both Diana and the audience cast members. Credit where it is due also goes to whoever was trying to keep the screen in sync with the on stage action too.
Linus Karp has to work hard in both storytelling and trying to illicit the appropriate responses from the audience. At 75 minutes - with no interval - it runs, and feels, like a classic Fringe show - though it is from the more successful end of that spectrum. It has an energy and a momentum that makes for a engaging night at the theatre. Diana is silly fun that shows the Brits are happy to poke fun at their institutions.
Review: Stephen Oliver
Trigger Warnings: Flashing lights, strong language, puppetry, audience participation, Camilla Parker Bowles
Age Limit: 16+ (guidance, not restriction)
Cast & Creatives:
Diana: Linus Karp
Charles/Camilla/others: Joseph Martin
Queen: Geri Allen
God: Zina Badran
Mother Teresa: Rob Madge
Special appearance: Jeanna de Waal
Writer, Director: Linus Karp
Co-director: Joseph Martin
Composer: Wez Maddocks
Choreo: Sam Carlyle
LX design: James Appleby
Design: Amy Pitt
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