This new play is a triumphant queer celebration of a royal icon

Everyone knows how Princess Diana went from Kindergarten teacher to Royalty.

Even if you were not born when she was alive, you have probably seen The Crown, the brilliant film Spencer, or the so-bad-it’s good 2013 film version starring Naomi Watts.

But have you seen a story about Diana talking from heaven combining drag, puppetry, audience interaction and some queer joy?

Described as “hilarious as it is tasteless”, Diana: The Untold & Untrue Story is written and performed by Linus Karp and it looks set to liven up an October evening when it arrives at the Hope Mill Theatre.

We caught up with Linus to find out more.

Why do you think we are still fascinated with Diana?

She was an era-defining icon, who not only dressed exceptionally well – she went her own way, broke free from the monarchy and a loveless marriage, wore her heart on her sleeve, genuinely cared and stood bravely up for causes that were deemed controversial at the time.

As a queer person, I think her AIDS activism, at a time when not many famous people would even talk about it, was extraordinary.

She definitely changed countless lives for the better by using her platform like she did.

The fact that she died very suddenly and tragically while still young obviously further adds to her myth and people’s fascination with her.

What are the biggest challenges of being in a show like this?

The hordes of fans waiting to see me after every performance and the many Princes mistaking me for an actual Princess.

The show has gone from 70-person venues to much bigger ones. Why do you think audiences are taken with the show?

We’re fun, we’re silly and very queer – and we do everything with a lot of heart.

We have a lot of genuine love for Diana and we’ve had so much fun putting this show together – I’m delighted that this translates on stage.

If people are used to traditional portrayals of Diana, like in The Crown, how would you sell this show to them?

Our show is exactly like The Crown. But fun. And with puppets. And queer people. And happiness. And audience participation. And song and dance. And we are serving c***.

Diana: The Untold & Untrue Story is at the Hope Mill Theatre from 4^th – 7^th October and can be booked here.