Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story is the new show exploring Princess Diana and her revoloutionary stances on LGBTQ+ issues. Daily Info sat down with writer and star, Linus Karp, ahead of the show's performances at the Old Fire Station.
Daily Info: What's Diana: The Untold And Untrue Story all about?
Linus Karp: It is a wild ride! A queer, comedic and joyful retelling of Diana’s story unlike any other version - combining drag, multimedia, puppetry and audience participation. Toying with the truth and exaggerating what we know, we give you the events not as they actually happened - but as they should’ve happened.
DI: What can audiences expect from the show?
LK: To be surprised! A hilarious and chaotic evening that is loving and tasteless in equal measure.
DI: How does it feel to approach an iconic figure, one who never seems too far away from British popular culture? What new does this show offer?
LK: It was a bit daunting at first. Being male and Swedish my portrayal was always going to be different to Kristen Stewart - but I’m so happy that reviews say that the likeness, mannerisms and the genuine love and admiration I have for Diana have all shone through in the performance. What this show offers that no other Diana show does is the humour, ridiculousness and wish fulfilment of what her life could've been. Not basing the show in truth gives us a lot more freedom with the portrayal - I do think Diana would have enjoyed it.
DI: Why do you think Diana endures given we're approaching 30 years since her death?
LK: As a queer person I think it’s important to highlight just what an impact her actions during the AIDS pandemic had. By hugging AIDS patients and speaking up about it she changed society’s attitude and massively improved countless queer lives. Her amazing charity work always felt genuine and in many ways groundbreaking - she spoke up about eating disorders and mental health problems at a time where no one else in her position was, she campaigned against landmines in a way that angered the government. Her activism was bold and loud. On top of that she was caught in a loveless marriage with the future monarch, and instead of staying silent and accepting a life of unhappiness, she fought back, spoke out and broke free. As if that wasn’t enough she was also a global fashion icon and charismatic superstar. We will never have another Diana.
DI: Can you sum the show up in three words
LK: Queer, joyful and Dianatastic.
Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story is at the Old Fire Station on Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th November and tickets can be found on their website.