Produced by Awkward Productions

Everything you are about to hear is untold, untrue, and absolutely not libellous. We hope.

You know the story and events of Diana, the Princess of Wales: the struggles, rise to fame and murder death. But that’s not what we’re here for, Lord knows there are enough documentaries out there. No: this evening we’re not hearing from the Butler, the journalists or Olivia Coleman – today, we hear from the woman herself, who descends from on high to mingle with the rabble audiences of the Pleasance Dome this Festivals Fringe.

This is Awkward Productions’ character comedy tale of Lady Di: Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story. And it’s absolutely ridiculous. And we’re loving it. 

One of Awkward Productions’ two shows at this year’s festival, this cabaret-style comedy extravaganza retells the life of Diana through Linus Karp’s excellent performance, slipping into the woollen jumpers and leggings that made Diana just so damned relatable. Significantly focused on the comedy, plenty of visual and linguistic gags litter the production, each carried with a lightning pace and delivery. But don’t let this fool you, the closing moments of the show still possess a ridged love and adoration for a more accepting world – something Diana could surely get behind.

Not content with characterising the People’s Princess, expect a right royal affair with across-the-board visitations from her Maj, Charles, the Spencers, William and the ‘Spare’. Oh, but there’s something else in the room with us; something ghastly and cruel, hideous yet pitiful. But we wouldn’t want to stir its wrath.

Oh, but don’t think you’re safe. This is a collective experience – a coming together of minds and hearts to hear Diana’s untrue tale. But and this is stressed, this is a safe and welcoming environment, one where performance is encouraged but not mandated. Those who join Di onstage are just as royal as the Lady themselves. It’s kitschy and adds to the momentum of the story allowing for costume changes (come on, she is a fashion icon) without slowing the production.  

Multifaceted, just like Diana, the endless talents of Karp and their on-stage co-star range from the musical to the choreographed, to video projected campness and characterisation dialled all the way to eleven. There may even be a few cameo appearances from some of the nation’s other heroes. And though a playground of theatre, which doesn’t seek to preach or even educate or inform, there is a wonderful heart to the show – a queer piece of theatre which flings its arms wide open to audiences.

Don’t bother with Netflix. Give that musical a miss. And though Stewart was robbed at the Oscars, tonight we can rightfully present a truly deserved winner: Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story is the Fringe. It’s impulsive, ludicrous, camp, serving fierce and bloody good fun. Nothing is sacred here, not the Royals, the government, the audience, and especially not those dastardly landmines.  

Diana may have been the People’s Princess, but it’s a safe bet that Karp is the Fringe’s.