Review: The Diana Mixtape

Review: The Diana Mixtape

19-08-25 Lowry, Salford Quays by Jamie Griffiths

The Diana Mixtape bills itself as part musical, part concert and part party, but it’s also something else: a riotous, heartfelt and gloriously camp love letter to the People’s Princess. After a buzzy London premiere, the show has arrived at the Lowry, and it’s a Di-light from start to finish.

Five queens step into Diana’s kitten heels, Courtney Act, Rosé, Divina De Campo, Kitty Scott-Claus and Priyanka, each offering their own take on an icon who continues to inspire. The result is less biography and more fantasia, told through the music of Britney, Gaga, Dua Lipa, Kylie, Ariana and more.

Rosé brings the drama and the vocals in spades, her wedding dress sequence easily one of the most jaw-dropping, hauntingly beautiful moments of the night. It proves The Diana Mixtape isn’t just a party, it’s capable of genuine theatrical power. Courtney Act, making her long-awaited appearance for many fans, delivers one of the most polished turns of the evening, a poised, commanding Diana who never misses a beat.

Kitty Scott-Claus, already known for her Diana impression from Drag Race UK, has the audience in the palm of her hand. Her closing monologue, reflecting on how much Diana herself might have enjoyed this drag tribute, is note-perfect and unexpectedly moving. Divina De Campo, meanwhile, proves herself a consummate professional. Even when costume glitches strike, she ad-libs her way through with such wit you’d swear it was scripted, filling the stage with charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.

Priyanka brings elegance, style and razor-sharp choreography, including a treadmill number in heels that has to be seen to be believed. Together, the five Dianas balance sass and sincerity, ensuring this never becomes parody but instead a celebration.

The supporting cast shines too. Keala Settle is magnetic as the Queen, played with both respect and a dash of sass — every appearance reminds you you’re in the presence of a true musical theatre powerhouse. Noel Sullivan gives Charles a comic twist, sparring to great effect with Lucinda Lawrence’s vampy, scene-stealing Camilla. Their chemistry is surprisingly effective, especially in some of the darker, cheekier musical moments.

There are standout set-pieces throughout- the Revenge Dress sequence is a gleeful highlight, with each Diana getting their moment to strut. The musical influences of SIX are clear, but this show is dancing to the beat of its own drum, creating something vibrant and unique. The use of music is particularly inspired. While the crowd relished the big pop anthems that fuelled the party vibe, numbers like Physical hint at how future iterations of the show could be even braver in drawing from across the decades and the eras in which Diana lived.

Breaking the fourth wall to wink at the audience, the show acknowledges that some truths really are stranger than fiction. Ultimately though, this is a Di-licious night out- bold, brash, heartfelt and camp in all the best ways. Christopher D. Clegg should be proud of this creation.

The Diana Mixtape runs at the Lowry, Salford, from 19 to 21 August 2025. Get details HERE.