Don’t Tell Dad About Diana – Dublin Fringe Festival – Review
by Brian Merriman

Performances – 8 Sept, 18:00 (preview), 9 – 10 Sept, 20:00, 12 Sept, 13:00 & 20:00, 13 Sept, 15:30 & 18:00

Venue – Bewley’s Café Theatre

Performances: 10 Sept, 20:00
12 Sept, 13:00 & 20:00
13 Sept, 15:30 & 18:00

Developed at Dublin Fringe Festival Studios & Scene+Heard. Supported by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.

Power and Murray don’t look old enough to remember 1997 – the year they set their comedy in, where the Alternative Miss Ireland was a highlight on the LGBT scene. Known as Gay Christmas, it was a really important awareness and fundraising event that supported people living with HIV.

The Alternative Miss Ireland was much like what you might think a Fringe would be. Its acts ranged from the bizarre to the beautiful, the horrendous to the honourable. At times, as in Fringe’s magic was created in a theatre and the Miss was crowned, often to go on to a successful presence in Dublin’s Drag or burlesque scene. Its demise is much lamented.

This is a well-tested production. It has played in London and Edinburgh to hugely impressive reviews. Diana, of course, held many hearts in the LGBT community. Gay people made up much of her social circle; she was a fashion icon, but most importantly, she gave great and compassionate leadership in understanding and shining a light on the AIDS pandemic. She visited AIDS hostel, comforted the sick and in a time of AIDS contagion hysteria, shook hands and held the sick, their friends and their families close. She broke the mould of fear. It has never been forgotten.

Power and Murray hurl themselves onto the stage with adolescent exuberance that never falters. It’s Leaving Cert year, and the whole world (London) awaits, enticed by a devotion to Princess Diana.

Beforehand, though, three months of planning and rehearsal have been polished as they await to take the Alternative Miss Ireland stage in The George by storm. Winner Shirley Temple Bar might have had a run for her money as Connor’s Diana finale is a hoot. With Hannah’s meticulous and unscrupulous planning, what can go wrong? Well, it does.

For just under an hour, we meet these wonderfully played teenagers, who deliver sharp and witty dialogue, getting us whisked back to a less understanding Ireland, in a fine-tuned story of times gone by. Underscoring all the trials, schemes, and tribulations is a wonderful friendship that ensures any young lad struggling with coming out will endure and thrive.

Hannah has a response to the many hilarious obstacles that present themselves with a refreshing brazenness that equips her to take on the world. Connor’s matching camp confidence completes a duo that longs for a sequel. We may not be allowed to tell Dad, but there’s nothing stopping us from telling you about this uplifting, entertaining piece of theatre that is well worth a visit!

Written and starring:  Hannah Power and Connor Murray
Director: Emma Finegan
Producer: Rua Barron
Dramaturge: Austin Hughes
Lighting: Ferdy Emmet
Sound: Theo Foley
Set and Props designer: Gabe Gilmour