★★★★★

“Bold, brilliant, and bursting with love”

What do you get when you mix pop music, drag royalty, and one of the most beloved figures in modern history? You get The Diana Mixtape musical, a joyful, high-energy, and heartwarming show that completely blew the roof off! This isn’t just a musical. It’s a full-on party, a tribute, and a celebration rolled into one fabulous, glitter-filled night.

Telling the story of Princess Diana like you’ve never seen it before, the show turns her life into a gig of a lifetime. With iconic music originally performed by Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, Ariana Grande, and more, the soundtrack is pure pop perfection. The songs fit Diana’s journey so well, blending fun, emotion, and strength in every beat. You’ll laugh, you might cry, but most of all, you’ll be dancing in your seat.

In a brilliant and bold twist, Diana is played not by one actor, but five drag superstars: Courtney Act, Divina De Campo, Kitty Scott-Claus, Rosé, and Priyanka. Each brings their own sparkle, wit, and charm to the role, showing different sides of the People’s Princess. They aren’t imitations, they’re tributes, each full of love, power, and sass. Watching these performers own the stage is nothing short of magic.

And then there’s Keala Settle as Queen Elizabeth II, and what an entrance she makes! Best known for her powerhouse voice in The Greatest Showman, Settle brings the house down with her performance. She’s commanding, hilarious, and totally unforgettable, delivering both comedy and class with ease. Her scenes light up the stage, and her presence is simply outstanding.

Noel Sullivan is a fantastic Prince Charles, balancing charm and awkwardness perfectly, while Lucinda Lawrence brings a cool confidence to Camilla. The dancers, Ashton Bradley, Henry Chatfield, Jordan Jewell, Theo Simpson, and Leo Udvarlaky, keep the energy sky-high with fierce moves and flawless timing.

Behind the scenes, the show is just as strong. Directed and created by Christopher D. Clegg, every detail is polished to perfection. Costumes by River Smith bring back Diana’s most iconic looks with a glamorous twist. Choreography by Taz Hoesli is sharp, clever, and full of attitude. The wigs, the lighting, the video design, everything works together to create an unforgettable atmosphere.

But beyond the glitter and laughs, there’s real heart in this show. It’s a beautiful tribute to Diana’s legacy, her kindness, her strength, and the way she made people feel seen and loved. The Diana Mixtape is full of fun, but it’s also full of meaning. It reminds us why Diana is still adored by millions.

If you love pop music, drag, theatre, or just want to feel good for 90 minutes straight, this show is a must-see. Bold, brilliant, and bursting with love, The Diana Mixtape is a royal triumph. Long live the Queen of Hearts!

EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN

Jermyn Street Theatre

★★★★★

“an invitation into a rare, sensual, and thought-provoking world”

Everything about this show is remarkable and enchanting. Director Paul Foster and choreographer Joanna Goodwin have created a production that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant—a true triumph in modern musical theatre.

Based on the novel by Compton Mackenzie, Extraordinary Women transports us to the windswept and mysterious isle of Sirene, where a group of fiercely independent women attempt to imagine and build a life without men. It’s a story filled with irony, longing, and layers of identity, elevated by a strong creative vision and a superb ensemble cast.

The performances are nothing short of extraordinary. Sophie-Louise Dann dazzles in multiple roles, including one of the sirens. She brings nuance, wit, and warmth to each of her characters, particularly to Cleo, a talented pianist and one of the complex lovers of Rosalba. Rosalba is portrayed by the brilliant Amy Ellen Richardson, whose charisma on stage is magnetic. Her character is one you might love or hate, but Richardson’s masterful command of song, dance, and emotional range ensures you’re captivated every moment she’s on stage, and eagerly waiting for her return whenever she exits.

Equally commendable are the performances of the other sirens: Jasmine Kerr as the fiery and elegant Ligeia, Amira Matthews as the poetic and mysterious Sappho, and Monique Young as the alluring and sharp-witted Parthenope. Each brings something unique to the stage, contributing to the layered tapestry of characters living on Sirene.

The story unfolds primarily in a grand seaside villa, recently acquired by Aurora, the passionate and devoted lover of Rosalia. Aurora is portrayed with poise and emotional clarity by Caroline Sheen, who lends a grounded warmth to the character. As the summer wanes and the relationships among the women become increasingly tangled, the stakes rise and the show leans into its themes of love, loss, and reinvention.

Though the women shine throughout, special mention must be given to Jack Butterworth, who delivers five distinct roles with impressive versatility, timing, and flair. He provides essential transitions between scenes and tonal shifts, and his adaptability is one of the show’s secret weapons.

Visually, the production is breathtaking. The lighting design by Alex Musgrave is integral to the storytelling, creating a world that feels at once connected and disjointed, fluid and fractured, much like the emotions of the characters. The lighting guides the audience through dreamlike sequences and grounded moments alike, giving each scene its own emotional signature.

Musically, the show is underscored by an ethereal and melancholic motif, a lullaby drifting from a distant piano bar, played live by Sam Sommerfield and James William-Pattison. Their live music feels like a memory you can almost touch.

And then there are the costumes, particularly the sirens’, designed by Carla Joy Evans. They are a visual feast, evoking mythology, femininity, and rebellion, all at once. The effect is heightened by the ingenious set designed by Alex Marker, which captures the charm of a remote Mediterranean island, somewhere off the Gulf of Naples. Though the stage is modest in size, its impact is anything but small.

In the end, Extraordinary Women is more than just a musical, it’s an invitation into a rare, sensual, and thought-provoking world. With its stunning ensemble, unforgettable visuals, and haunting music, it lingers long after the final curtain.

Tag Archives: Beatrice Morandi

THE DIANA MIXTAPE

★★★★★

Here at Outernet

THE DIANA MIXTAPE

Here at Outernet

★★★★★

“Bold, brilliant, and bursting with love”

THE DIANA MIXTAPE

Here at Outernet

Reviewed on 31st July 2025

by Beatrice Morandi

Photography by Harry Elletson

Previously reviewed at this venue:

PRISCILLA THE PARTY! | ★★★★★ | March 2024

THE DIANA MIXTAPE

THE DIANA MIXTAPE

THE DIANA MIXTAPE

EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN

★★★★★

Jermyn Street Theatre

EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN

Jermyn Street Theatre

★★★★★

“an invitation into a rare, sensual, and thought-provoking world”