In anticipation of their critically acclaimed show coming to Edinburgh Fringe, Linus Karp and Joseph Martin sat down to share their thoughts on Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story. With a mix of enthusiasm and wit, they shed light on their inspiration, creative process, and the unique experiences they bring to the stage.
Linus Karp, when asked to describe Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story coined it as “a stupid, queer, joyful celebration of Princess Diana that combines many art forms.” Joseph chimed in, adding that the show is not only silly and queer, but also heartfelt, “I think these are the three words that I would use.” Linus further explained, “It’s done with a lot of love. Maybe not for the monarchy, but for her.”
Reflecting on the origin of the show, Linus revealed, “The show started as a birthday present for Joseph’s mum, because she’s a big Diana fan.” Joseph shared, “We used to send her weird Diana gifts we’d find online, often not saying it was from us.” Linus continued, “And then she turned 60 in 2021, so I thought, oh, I’ll write her a little Diana thing, and as I started writing it, it kind of grew and grew and grew.”
Discussing their creative collaboration, Joseph elaborated, “We were coming to the end of the run of our last show, and obviously thinking about what was next, and we’d been running with one particular idea for a while and it just wasn’t quite slotting into place.” Linus interjected, “And then, lo and behold, here we are nearly a year later, or two years later since its very inception, and we’re taking it to the Edinburgh Fringe.”
Describing the reaction of Joseph’s mother to the show, Joseph joyfully shared, “She loved it and she’s also very keen to remind us that it’s her birthday present.” Linus added, “She enjoyed it then and she enjoys it now. They’ve been to see it… many times.” Further emphasising their parents’ support, Joseph recounted a memorable instance, “They flew over to Belfast and spent the entire show sitting with cutout masks of Diana and Charles on their faces, and I was just like, who are those two weirdos who won’t take off their mask for the entire show?”
Exploring the evolution of their shows, Linus shared, “We kind of change them as we go along. I guess that’s the freedom of being, the writer as well as the performer. You sort of realise what works.” Joseph added, “There’s odds and ends of a show that you can’t really change once it opens until you have that little bit of time.” They both highlighted the importance of making tweaks to incorporate current events or references related to the royal family, ensuring that the shows remain relevant and engaging.
Addressing the multimedia elements in their productions, Linus enthused, “Yeah, absolutely, it’s the least solo show you’ll ever see,” explaining how they incorporate digital performances.
When asked about their experience working closely as a couple, Linus and Joseph shared laughter. Joseph jokingly said, “We don’t talk to each other outside of work anymore.” Linus added, “I think it probably helps, we would probably have a different relationship if we did really serious things, whereas the things we do are very silly and playful and full of joy.” Joseph acknowledged the understanding they have developed over their eight-and-a-half-year relationship, saying, “We’ve been together long enough to know each other’s boundaries with work and all that kind of stuff.”
As the conversation turned to the Edinburgh Fringe and their busy schedule, Joseph mentioned the importance of maintaining energy levels throughout the full run of the shows. He emphasised the need for self-care, rest, and drawing boundaries during their limited time off to ensure they can deliver their best performances. Linus added, “I need to not do too much outside of the shows, I think, because it’s a difficult enough month as it is.”
When distinguishing their show Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story from the Broadway musical, Linus and Joseph emphasised the unique perspectives their show offers. Joseph highlighted, “I would argue that ours is a bit more of a genuine tribute in some ways.” They playfully acknowledged the humour and campiness present in both shows, but Linus believes their production is better aligned with the intended audience experience, stating, “I do hope and feel that people actually enjoy our show the way we want them to.”
Linus and Joseph invite audiences to join them at the Fringe, promising a blend of silliness, joy, and a queer celebration of Princess Diana in Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story. Thinking about their marketing strategies Joseph humorously suggests, “Princess Diana, but gay.” Linus teased, “We might look for people on the Royal Mile who look like a people’s princess.”
As Linus and Joseph prepare to captivate audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe 2023, their love for storytelling, their shared passion for their craft, and their ability to create an atmosphere of joy and laughter shine through. Audiences can expect a vibrant celebration of Princess Diana’s legacy and an immersive theatrical experience that promises to leave them entertained and uplifted.
More information about Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story can be found here.
Linus Karp and Joseph Martin will also present How to Live a Jellicle Life: Life Lessons from the 2019 Hit Musical Cats at this year’s Fringe
