Review: Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story
Do not miss this show while it’s in Bristol
The iconic Awkward Productions is back in Bristol this week as they continue to tour their hit show Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story.
The theatre company – comprised of Linus Karp and Joseph Martin – manages to tap into pop culture trends, cultivating thoroughly entertaining pieces of theatre. It’s earned them a cult following, Edinburgh sell-outs, London runs and world tours.
Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, possibly their most loved production, is a romp through Diana the former Princess of Wales’ life. Speaking to the audience from Heaven, we following Diana’s life story. There is fact in there, but rest assured, the storyline is suitably bonkers and at times, very untrue.
Large parts of Bristol were experiencing power cuts and surges throughout the evening, which affected the entire Tobacco Factory Building. Far from being an annoyance, it somehow managed to the add to the bonhomie in a very Bristol fashion. Resounding cheers every time ‘Panasonic’ popped back on the screen and the lights came on gave it a banging cabaret/pantomime vibe. Even when things are going wrong, nothing can stop the fun. Not even the National Grid.
A good-natured and energetic audience is all part of the experience with this show. There is a lot of audience participation – always with consent – with many taking on characters both on and off stage. In fact, whilst fringe theatre has always relied on its audience to get involved, Untrue Diana possibly goes further, making it a rather immersive experience.
The show combines comedy, original storytelling, original music, multimedia and puppeteering in one big celebration of queer joy.
Linus Karp not only looks like Diana – The People’s Princess – but manages to pull off her glances, mannerisms and outfits. Whether its the grand wedding dress with an impossible train weaving its way around the audience, That Black Dress, the Black Sheep jumper, it’s highly detailed and researched under the surface.
The part of Camilla Parker Bowles is puppeteered with great energy and fab Jim Carrey style facial expressions by Joseph Martin.
Another royal Icon – and scene stealer – in this production is Geri Allen. Her plotting Queen is simply marvellous. It’s very much Geri Allen acting Olivia Colman acting The Queen, and it’s a lot of fun.
The Crown, landmines, AIDS, Diana: The Musical, Queen of Hearts, the Royal Family, eighties energy – there’s a lot of references for people of all ages to pick out.
To say too much would be spoilers, but don’t miss this show because it is funny, witty, entertaining, warm-hearted and an absolute blast.
Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story is on at Tobacco Factory Theatres until Saturday 21 June 2025
For more information or to book, visit: https://tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/diana-the-untold-and-untrue-story/
Follow Awkward Productions: https://linktr.ee/awkwardprods
Cast and Creatives
Diana – Linus Karp
Charles & Camilla – Joseph Martin
On Screen: The Queen – Geri Allen
On Screen: God – Zina Badran
On Screen: Mother Teresa – Rob Madge
Special Appearance – Jeanna de Waal
Writer, Director, Producer- Linus Karp
Co-Director, Puppeteer, Stage Manager – Joseph Martin
Designer – Amy Pitt
Choreographer – Sam Carlyle
Composer, Graphic Designer – Wez Maddocks
LX Designer – Ebbe Rodtborg
Additional LX Design, TSM – James Appleby
Photography, Videography – Dave Bird
Video Editor – Daniel Boylett
Drag and Makeup -Artist Carrot
Puppetry Consultant – Tara Boland
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