Diana: O Musical

Just about every review for this trashed it before I had a chance to watch it, so I went in with low expectations.

Is it cliche? Yep.

Is it cheesy? Yep.

Haven't we heard it all before? Yep.

Still, I enjoyed it.

Sure, it's no Phantom or Rogers & Hammerstein spectacular, but it's a boppy, kitschy, ninety-minute sing-fest through the royal family. And, really, there's only so much you can cram into a musical that covers 30+ years of someone's life, so don't go in expecting anything too deep and meaningful.

But it is a decent way to spend an afternoon, the sets are well designed, as are the costumes.

I laughed so hysterically through this I was brought to tears multiple times. A+ acid trip of cringe, awe and downright befuddlement.

Anyone that rated this above a 2 needs to be examined.

Ridiculous, laughable, toe curlingly awful.

More questions than answers...Why didn't they ask some English people to check the script? Why are the paparazzi in 1940s fancy dress? Why was Wales labelled? What were they thinking making this at all? Is it actually supposed to be a comedy?

Once my dog ate a large section of cooked turkey giblets string included and when he did a poo the string ran through the middle of it holding section of poo together in one long line. That's what this is like in terms of its musical strength. It's one bit of poo strung together by very poor string-like dialogue.

This doesn't know what it is or what it's trying to be is the take-home feeling I had. The cast aren't bad as in their vocals and performances (characters aside) are pretty sharp and don't miss but they're lost in the tack. I feel bad for the cast to be honest they must have known this was a big chance to take and it was gonna be loved or loathed. Maybe it will do well or at least better as a live stage show complete with audience but I can recall and sing at least one line from every song having just watched it the once so that's how mediocre and run of the mill generic, predictable and generally naff and unremarkable the songs are.

Stage, costumes, lighting etc - really well done. Just not enough to carry the rest unfortunately.

I am surprised this was done by the creative team behind the musical Memphis. I enjoyed that show. Diana has some of the worst lyrics I have ever heard. I laughed a lot at the choreography. This is the ideal show to watch if you are a fan of train wrecks.