Linus Karp’s Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story is a theatrical spectacle that defies expectations, turning the iconic legacy of Princess Diana into a riotous, camp-filled extravaganza. Staged at the King’s Head Theatre, this production blends absurdity, heart, and interactive comedy into an experience that feels both celebratory and completely unhinged in the best possible way.

At the core of the show is Karp himself, embodying Diana with a mix of reverence and irreverence. There is no attempt at an accurate portrayal. This Diana is deliberately exaggerated, a hyperreal version built on public perception rather than historical fact. Karp’s performance is as charming as it is chaotic, effortlessly capturing Diana’s elegance while twisting it into a whirlwind of playful theatricality. He owns the stage with a knowing wink, inviting the audience into this alternative reality where the People’s Princess is given a voice that is unfiltered, unbothered, and often outrageously funny.

The storytelling is anything but conventional. The show takes key moments from Diana’s life and reinvents them with a surreal and unpredictable energy, throwing historical accuracy out the window in favour of sheer entertainment. This Diana is not a tragic figure trapped in a royal nightmare. She is a force of nature, reclaiming her story with sharp wit and theatrical flair. The result is a version of events that feels both familiar and entirely new, an imaginative fever dream that turns Buckingham Palace into the backdrop of a gloriously over-the-top saga.

One of the production’s greatest strengths is its inventive use of theatrical elements. Puppetry plays a major role in bringing supporting characters to life in ways that are both ridiculous and inspired. The presence of Camilla, Charles, and other royal figures is handled with a level of absurdity that makes them feel like exaggerated caricatures rather than real people, turning their interactions into comedy gold. The show also leans into multimedia, using video projections and sound design to heighten the spectacle, ensuring that it never feels static.

Audience participation is another defining feature, making every performance a unique experience. At times, audience members are invited to join the action, blurring the lines between spectator and performer. This creates an unpredictable and communal atmosphere, as the reactions and involvement of the crowd shape the evening in unexpected ways. It is an approach that reinforces the show’s playfulness, ensuring that no two performances are ever quite the same.

Despite its comedic and chaotic energy, the show is not just about laughs. Beneath the satire and camp, there is an underlying affection for Diana that shines through. The exaggerated storytelling does not diminish her impact. Instead, it highlights the way she has remained a cultural icon, a figure whose legacy continues to be reinterpreted across generations. This is a celebration, a reclamation, and a reminder of why Diana remains one of the most beloved figures of modern history.

Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story is an unforgettable theatrical experience that refuses to play by the rules. It is wild, unpredictable, and packed with comedic brilliance, yet it never loses sight of the warmth at its core. By embracing the absurd, the show ultimately pays tribute to Diana in a way that is both irreverent and deeply affectionate. For those looking for a night of laughter, chaos, and theatrical magic, this is a show that delivers it all.

Date: 17 April – 5 May 2024. Running time: 70 minutes (no interval). Location: King’s Head Theatre, Islington,116, Upper Street, N1 1QN.

Price: £10 - £28.

Tickets here