I vividly recall the evening Princess Diana passed away. I was in my first year of college, and as we watched the news broadcasts, I took my first sip of beer. It was a surreal moment; disbelief hung in the air as we tried to comprehend the loss of such a beloved figure. Her tragic end was often blamed on the relentless paparazzi that chronicled her every move. Over the years, countless books and films have explored her life, and now, there’s a stage adaptation—“Diana: The Musical,” streaming on Netflix. It’s a delightful two-hour escape.
As an avid fan of musical theatre, having spent considerable time on stage myself, I was eager to dive into this production. Despite the mixed reviews, I found it enjoyable. I wasn’t seeking a documentary-style recount of her life; I craved catchy show tunes, beautiful costumes, and a bit of fun. In that regard, ‘Diana’ certainly delivered. While it may not reach the heights of ‘Hamilton’ or ‘Grease,’ the music is entertaining, and the performances are commendable. And let’s not forget Diana’s wigs—spot on!
The musical paints a picture of Diana’s (played by Anna Black) public persona, particularly her tumultuous relationship with Prince Charles (Mark Williams) as captured by the media. It begins with her as a young nursery teacher, whose charm catches Charles’ eye, leading to a series of upbeat, sometimes whimsical, songs about their courtship. The show doesn’t shy away from Charles’ connection with Camilla Parker Bowles (Megan Hart), showcasing how his heart truly belonged to her, even as the world idolized Diana.
Viewers are taken along a journey that encapsulates the highs and lows of Charles and Diana’s relationship. From the outset, her naivety is evident, as is the public’s obsession with her life. On stage, photographers in trench coats dance around her, reflecting the constant intrusion she faced in her life. Cameras were perpetually pointed in her direction, capturing both her charm and her missteps.
The musical highlights Diana’s challenges, including her battle with postpartum depression and her rocky marriage. Charles’ affection for Camilla is a recurring theme, making it hard not to feel sympathy for Diana, who deserved so much more than what she received. She was the world’s princess, yet her husband treated her poorly.
As her marriage deteriorates and she grows weary of being the “pretty girl in the pretty dress,” Diana decides to confront the press. She sings about how they’ve exploited her for years, and now it’s her turn to take control of the narrative. Embracing a new image, she becomes a fashionable woman on a mission, defying the expectations of Charles and the monarchy. Knowing she may never truly have Charles’ love, she decides to forge her own path.
One peculiar moment in the show features “Here Comes James Hewitt,” where Diana’s love interest appears shirtless, riding a symbolic horse. This portrayal leans too heavily into silliness, making it hard to take the character seriously. Meanwhile, Charles is shown with Camilla, and as he becomes aware of Diana’s affair, he uses it as an excuse to grow closer to Camilla. This portrayal makes Charles appear rather unsavory, and you find yourself rooting for Diana’s happiness.
Notably, Princes William and Harry are absent from the stage, mentioned but never shown. While Diana is depicted positively, such as when she visits AIDS patients during the crisis, the narrative often focuses on her struggles.
The show culminates in the public disintegration of Charles and Diana’s marriage. Despite her initial commitment to make it work for her children’s sake, Diana ultimately chooses her own happiness, leading to her divorce in 1996. She dreams of a fresh start and sings about her hopes for the future, which is tragically contrasted with the reality of her untimely death. This poignant juxtaposition of renewal and loss is heart-wrenching.
“Diana: The Musical” was a worthwhile two-hour experience. It allowed me to reflect on the remarkable person she was, despite the difficulties she faced. Diana was a genuine humanitarian, using her platform for good even amid personal turmoil.
Critics may have dismissed it, but I encourage you to give “Diana” a chance. Even if you can’t commit to a full viewing, consider playing it in the background while you tidy up. The catchy tunes will remind you that life can throw you curveballs, but you can still find joy. Diana was a legend, and we could use more people like her in the world.
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Summary:
“Diana: The Musical” offers an engaging and entertaining portrayal of Princess Diana’s life, blending humor and heartache. Despite mixed reviews, the musical captures her spirit and resilience, reminding us of her legacy as a humanitarian. It’s worth a watch, whether you dive in completely or play it casually in the background.
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