If you’ve been in London recently, then you can’t have missed the ads for The Diana Mixtape Musical, a drag-fuelled re-telling of Princess Diana’s story. Drag Race alumni Divina de Campo, Kitty Scott-Claus, Priyanka, Courtney Act and Rosé each play various iterations of the People’s Princess, all while singing live to music by the likes of Britney Spears, Carly Rae Jepsen and Kylie Minogue.
And yes, Queen Elizabeth II makes an appearance, played by none other than The Greatest Showman’s Keala Settle… with a Labubu in tow. That’s not to mention Priyanka’s treadmill gag (which is best left as a surprise). Camp on steroids doesn’t begin to cover it.
Created by Christopher D Clegg, who also helmed hit shows like Death Drop and Gals Aloud, The Diana Mixtape Musical shouldn’t be judged by the standards of a traditional musical. Instead, it’s a hybrid of a drag show, pop concert, and royal fever dream – though that’s also part of its charm.
The vigorous performance sees the queens put their own spin on pop classics, all through the eyes (and lewks) of Diana… and yes, that includes several appearances of the iconic revenge dress. Speaking of the custom costumes, they strike a smart balance of remaining loyal to Diana’s legacy, while still feeling quintessentially drag (sweatshirts aside, though if anyone can make loungewear camp, it’s this cast).
Then there’s Camilla and Charles, played by Lucinda Lawrence and Noel Sullivan, respectively. The duo add a villainous flare to The Diana Mixtape Musical that the show would feel emptier without. Their time on stage together is always ridiculous, but also proof that The Diana Mixtape Musical’s success isn’t solely reliant on drag.
The logistical production of the show is its only let down. At times, the backlighting makes it hard to see the performers, especially if you’re standing towards the back of the audience. There were also moments where hearing the queens could be difficult, but given that it was the show’s first performance, these are issues that are easily addressed and hopefully won’t exist in future iterations as its run continues.
So while The Diana Mixtape Musical is far from perfect, it simply doesn’t need to be. The chaos and campery make up for any of its minor flaws, and the star-studded cast are a force to be reckoned with. The simple reality is that you can’t really go wrong with combining drag and Diana.
Gay Star News gives The Diana Mixtape Musical 4/5 stars.
It runs in London at HERE at Outernet until 10 August. Tickets are on sale here.
