What do you get when you combine five fabulous drag queens, the ‘people’s princess’, and a ‘setlist’ of some of the most iconic queer anthems? Christopher D. Clegg’s The Diana Mixtape, of course.  

In what should be- and has the potential to be- the perfect lead up to Manchester Pride, The Diana Mixtape is less a royal flush and more a club show lacking finesse. Ultimately, no matter what is written in this- or any review, The Diana Mixtape, is a celebration of Diana, her legacy and of queer culture. However, going from an immersive club experience in London to being housed on the largest stage outside of the West End would be a struggle for most productions, and ultimately that’s where this piece struggles. 

As a concept, the production is fantastic, to the point I was convinced when it started that this could be the next Six. With clear inspiration from the herstorical phenomenon, we hear from different perspectives of what really happened during the marriage of Lady Di and the now reigning monarch, King Charles III – with a few liberties taken for good measure. 

Where the issues lie with the show are through its lack of preparation to take on a huge theatre. On opening night, also press night, the production started 15 minutes late due to technical issues. Delays can be forgiven, and to quote the legendary Julie Andrews, “a Queen is never late. Everyone else is simply early.” However, the overbearing (at times) and inconsistent sound design, missed lighting cues and sloppy staging however, cannot. 

The cast of five Dianas each give a little something extra to their interpretation, though all have the tilted head and upward doe-eyed glance to a tee. The vocals and comedic timing from both Divina De Campo and Rosé are show stealing, and as Queen Elizabeth II, Keala Settle is a powerhouse showing she is the HBIC. Noel Sullivan as Charles gives a silly yet charming portrayal and with Lucinda Lawrence as Camilla, adds the right amount of pantomime villain to their performance, along with glorious vocals. 

It’s extremely frustrating that a show with such prospects feels rushed to be a literal sell-out. Costumes from River Smith are styled uniquely to each queen but still have the right amount of Diana. The wedding dress scene could have been the highlight of the show with a poignant projection of Diana on the gown. This was constructed before our eyes, however, watching a projector brought on by a dancer and the dresser walking off with a cardboard tube instantly dragged you from any emotion. Likewise wigs from River Medway started off well, but by the end each queen ranged from Diana to Anthea Turner. 

Irrespective of its flaws, this show is highly entertaining. Could it be funnier? Yes. Could it be more finessed? Absolutely. Will you still have a good night? You may have tinnitus at the end but with a bit of work and a smaller theatre, this could be the perfect piece of escapism.  

The Diana Mixtape is playing at Lowry until Thursday 21st August. Further details can be found here.

Photography provided by the production from the London run.