From the moment Luke Bayer steps onto the stage at the King’s Head Theatre, it’s clear you’re in for something special. DIVA: Live From Hell! is a darkly funny, campy, and surprisingly emotional one-man musical that keeps you hooked from start to finish. With sharp writing, a wildly entertaining lead performance, and a catchy score, this show proves that even in the depths of hell, a diva will always find their spotlight.

At the center of it all is Desmond Channing, a high school drama king who takes his obsession with the stage way too far. He ruled the drama club at Ronald Reagan High until the arrival of the effortlessly charming Evan Harris, a newcomer whose talent threatens everything Desmond holds dear. What starts as a school rivalry quickly spirals into something much darker, landing Desmond in the Seventh Circle of Hell, condemned to relive his tale night after night in a seedy cabaret club. And being the true diva he is, Desmond fully embraces his eternal performance, dragging the audience along for the ride.

Luke Bayer is absolutely sensational in this role. It’s a one-man show, but you’d never know it from the way he seamlessly shifts between multiple characters. Desmond, Evan, nervous stage manager Allie Hewitt, and even other minor figures in Desmond’s life all feel distinct, with Bayer using nothing more than a change in posture, voice, or expression to bring them to life. His comedic timing is razor-sharp, his energy never wavers, and his voice soars through the demanding score with ease. It’s a performance packed with wit, charm, and just the right amount of unhinged chaos.

The music, written by Alexander Sage Oyen with a book and lyrics by Sean Patrick Monahan, is a fantastic mix of classic Broadway-style tunes with a darkly comedic edge. Songs like His Best Friend and The Big Time! are both hilarious and musically rich, letting Bayer show off his vocal range while pushing the story forward. The small on-stage band, led by musical director Debbie Clarke, adds just the right level of dramatic flair, enhancing the cabaret-style atmosphere of the show.

Under the direction of Joe McNeice, the production keeps things simple but effective. The intimate space of the King’s Head Theatre is transformed into Desmond’s personal underworld with minimal yet clever staging. The lighting shifts subtly to create mood and tension, while the lack of elaborate set pieces keeps the focus squarely on Bayer’s powerhouse performance. It’s a testament to McNeice’s direction that the show feels so visually engaging despite its stripped-down presentation.

There’s no question that DIVA: Live From Hell! is a hit. It’s smart, sharp, and packed with laugh-out-loud moments, but it also carries a surprising emotional weight. The mix of dark humour and theatrical flair makes it an absolute joy to watch. If you love campy musicals, sharp humour, and a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering an incredible performance, this is one you don’t want to miss. It’s bold, it’s hilarious, and it proves that even in hell, a true diva never stops performing.

Diva: Live From Hell!

04 – 29 June at The King’s Head Theatre, 116 Upper Street, London N1 1QN, UK

Tickets: https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/diva-live-from-hell