Awkward Productions is an independent theatre company known for their innovative, inventive and, quite frankly, bizarre creations. Their past productions include Awkward Conversations with Animals I’ve Fucked and How to Live a Jellicle Life: Life Lessons From the 2019 Hit Musical ‘Cats’. Now, they’re back with something even more controversial than zoophilia and ‘Cats’: royalty.
Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story follows Princess Diana as she tells the untold and untrue story of her life. Ahead of the play’s return to Manchester, I had the chance to sit down with Awkward Productions’ founder (and the writer and star of Diana), Linus Karp, who I previously interviewed ahead of Jellicle Life. He is, without a doubt, one of the boldest theatremakers in Great British fringe theatre right now.
In the past, you’ve had a thing for animals. Why now Princess Diana?
L: “Haha, one can have many loves! I have liked Diana for a long time but the show actually originated through my mother-in-law, Linda, who’s a big Diana fan. After sending her weird Diana memorabilia for years, when she turned 60, I thought I’d write her a little Diana story… And a couple of years later, here we are.”
Are there any animals in this play, though? Perhaps a corgi?
L: “There is indeed a corgi, and he’s quite the scene-stealer!”
Princess Diana is universally loved (well, by everyone except Camilla Parker Bowles). Parodying a beloved figure is bold. Is this piece both a parody and a tribute?
L: “More than anything, the show is a loving celebration of Diana; I don’t think fans of the People’s Princess need to worry. Staunch royalists may think differently though…”
What was your research process like? You’re telling your own story but did it still require a lot of research?
L: “I’ve read Diana books and watched endless documentaries and interviews. I wanted to have a full understanding of Diana and the actual events in order to then decide how to portray them in our untrue version – giving the audience something that’s simultaneously recognisable and new.”
Is this your first foray into drag? How have you found it?
L:” “I am new to the art form but it’s been such a joy and a great challenge. Portraying such an icon was quite daunting but I put in a lot of work and had the drag icon Carrot working with me on makeup so I am proud of my version of the Queen of Hearts.”
This play involves audience interaction (please don’t pick me!). Is there an audience member whose participation has stuck with you?
L: “Haha! I should say the audience participation is voluntary and no one is picked against their will. Manchester has been GREAT for audience participation. That Corgi role mentioned earlier – our Manchester audience has always COMMITTED to that role in particular. I expect great things from the people at Hope Mill.”
Have you ever had any bad experiences with audience participation?
L: “Not really, to be honest. Obviously some people go for it more than others but the way the audience comes together to cheer each other on is quite special. With this show, we’re very much creating something together with the audience and people are so up for it.”
So, whether you wish to be a corgi, or just spectate, book yourself a ticket!
Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story tours the UK again from September 27 to December 6, with a Manchester run at Hope Mill Theatre from October 4 to 7.
Photo: Dave Bird
JADAR 