Review: THE INTERVIEW, Park Theatre - Online

Photo credit: Pamela Raith

In 1995, Diana, Princess of Wales bared all to journalist Martin Bashir on BBC's Panorama. Watched by a global audience of almost 200 million, The Interview has been scrutinised for years and now has been adapted for the stage at London's Park Theatre.

Whilst the initial run of the piece has now finished, audiences can view the piece of work thanks to Original Theatre’s streaming service. With the discussion around theatre accessibility more prominent than ever, it’s always a welcome opportunity for theatre to be online for all.

The Interview focuses on the controversial circumstances around the obtaining of consent and the aftermath of the airing of the groundbreaking programme. The piece opens with the audio from then Prince Charles' interview with Jonathan Dimbleby confirming he had not been faithful to wife Diana. Diana wanting to put her story across eventually agrees to the interview after an almost power struggle between her and Bashir. Then billed as “the scoop of a generation”, the interaction between the pair is still widely discussed and analysed by the press today.

Jonathan Maitland has boldly opted not to portray much of a re-enactment of the discussion between the pair, instead focusing on the prior events and later the re-examination of the broadcast. The interview itself is glossed over and perhaps wisely using the most memorable quotes during the encounter such as “there were three of us in this marriage, it was a bit crowded”, whilst also portraying alleged moments that didn’t make the famous broadcast.

Whether theatregoers are royalists or not, the majority will have an understanding of the intricate story prior to viewing the piece and by not focusing on ‘The Interview’ in its entirety, it allows the production a greater scope in telling the overall story. By only taking key moments from The Interview, this reinforces Prince William's sentiments that the show never be broadcast again as we hear at the beginning and end of the piece.

Yolanda Kettle's interpretation of “The People's Princess” Diana is near perfection. It's clear that Kettle has embodied the character and has her nuances down to a fine art. One of the most treasured, famous women in the world and portrayed by many, Kettle's tone and delivery of the script is delightful. The story is at its best when Kettle is on stage as we want to hear and see more Diana, which is to the detriment of the latter stages of the piece where Diana is absent for large parts. She is instantly recognisable as the Princess Of Wales, not only due to extensive research on movement but due to the choices of clothing (set and costume design by Sami Fendall).

Tibu Fortes also shines as the confident and persuasive Martin Bashir. Bahir manipulates Diana by forging documents and influencing those closest to her, as well as members of the press by praying on her vulnerability and anxieties surrounding the Royal Family. Fortes has a difficult job in trying to make Bashir have human qualities whilst portrayed as the journalist who will do whatever it takes to get the scoop he wants.

The ensemble cast consisting of Naomi Frederick, Ciaran Owens and Matthew Flynn multi role as prominent figures in the story. Each give convincing performances from friends of Diana to BBC executives. None more so than Flynn who interprets Diana’s trusty aide Paul Burrell uncannily.

Director Michael Fentiman presents the piece in a simplistic nature with minimal props leaving the small cast with nothing to fall back on other than their ability to portray the story. Emily Irish's striking lighting design particularly radiates in this filmed version of the show. The use of grey/sepia tones to depict events happening in the past and colour to portray events in the present is a clear visual contrast and aids the storytelling well.

The show concludes on the back of the 2020 inquiry in asking how the interview happened and the ethical nature in which consent was obtained. Whilst the show ultimately portrays Diana as good and Bashir as bad, which there is evidential truth in, it also leaves many questions unanswered. As all good theatre does, audience members are left questioning who was manipulating who? The truth is complex and who does decide the narrative?

Questions are once against raised due to another portrayal of Diana on stage and The Interview asks for more than answers. However, can these questions be answered? Debate on the topic will continue no doubt but as the original programme has now evidently been banned, regardless of personal opinions, Princess Diana has been silenced rightly or wrongly.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Jordan Potts

The Interview is available to stream via Original Theatre Online now, with further information here.