Those of a certain age know something of Lady Diana (1961-1997), the daughter of an English noble who would marry Prince Charles and become internationally known. This profile was largely due to news and tabloid outlets, having their own agenda.
But, our tragic heroine should be able to tell her truth … even if it isn’t the actual truth. That’s broadly the setup for Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story – a work which spares no reputations in extolling the virtues of The People’s Princess.
However, up first was an entertaining lead-in act by drag performers from offshoots of RuPaul’s Drag Race. From the UK edition, relishing this trip down-under in a pavlova-accented frock, Pixie Polite assuredly got the party started. She had a lively bracket of songs, including Sweet Transvestite from Rocky Horror.
Next, Australia’s own Aubrey Haive (like “Oh, behave!” from Austin Powers), in girlish pink and white, showed energetic moves in a lip-synch routine. Together these divas had some amusing choreography.
The whole enjoyably silly package, the compelling promotional video from “Diana” seen online beforehand, and an exhortation to replenish drinks at the interval (when some audience members were assigned character roles), had us primed for a main event of character assassinations from an unreliable narrator.
We were off to a good start as Diana, Princess of Wales (Linus Karp, also writer, director, and producer) took the stage. With slender frame and a suitable blonde haircut, Karp looks the part. Recalling her first meeting with Prince Charles (a cut-out with posh voice supplied by Joseph Martin), Diana’s speech and gaze projected youthful naivete.
How unprepared she was for the disappointments that would follow, hinted at by recordings of actual Diana’s interviews. But here, Diana will not be seen as a victim, or in any negative way at all. She will show us, in detail, the awful behaviour of her enemies.
There’s Camilla Parker-Bowles (long-time rival for Charles’ affections) shown as a large fabric doll who is a pulsating horn-bag with the voice of a demon. (Unfortunately some speech was too distorted to be understood, which might have cost us some laughs.)
On screen, a haughty Queen Elizabeth II (Geri Allen, in suitable hair, accessories, and accent) seethes (in a regally restrained manner) at Diana – no-one divorces their way out of her Royal Family … and lives. Fortunately, in this version of reality, Diana has allies (including the audience) and will make more choices for herself.
Between the plot twists, there is recognition (albeit, in a brisk way) of the courage Diana showed in her advocacy for Queer folks, and for other humanitarian causes.
Having been hooked by the promo video, it was a touch unfortunate that this Diana was a bit too civilised to deliver on something expected to be more of a hectic bin fire. Perhaps our distance from the British Royals means that the irreverent needling here cannot feel as transgressive for us as it would be for UK audiences?
All the same, this was a lively and varied outing that went over well with many. Karp, with suitable impishness, often milked good laughs out of a very physical performance style, and interactions with audience members.
Certainly evenings like this don’t come along very often, and it may appeal to seekers of robust forms of entertainment.
Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story
Studio – Gasworks Arts Park, 21 Graham Street, Albert park
Performance: Monday 24 February 2025
Following the Melbourne season, Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story will be presented in Canberra (27 February), Sydney (28 February), Newcastle (4 March) and Brisbane (6 March). For more information, visit: www.goudieevents.com for details.
Image: Linus Karp stars in Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story (supplied)
Review: Jason Whyte