Written by Eloise for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own

A formulaic, well directed and energetic analysis of friendship, coming of age, and homophobia in 90s Ireland within the story of two friends preparing a Princess Diana drag act for a competition in Dublin.

Written and performed by Conor Murray and Hannah Power, these two have an electric energy onstage. Their camaraderie and support of each other is palpable, and the energy they both enter the stage with is infectious to the audience, Power looking right into the eyes of the crowd - smiling ear to ear at the story they are about to share. The atmosphere is immediately one of frivolity and youth - but the pair do a good job of not playing into the stereotype of acting like teenagers. Everything felt very genuine and authentic to them - a credit to director, Emma Finegan, who has also directed some wonderful moments of synchronicity between the actors to really highlight their connection as best friends.

The story follows Hannah and Conor as they prepare to enter an alternative miss Ireland competition at the local gay bar. Conor performing, and Hannah designing and making the costumes – reflective of their respective dreams as performer and costume designer. The pair both love Princess Diana and have modelled their performance and life values around her. The friends get in all sorts of hilarious mishaps on their build up to the show - plotting and executing revenge against homophobic neighbours and stealing overpriced materials from local shops. It’s a joy to watch the wild but oddly relatable scenarios which are framed with dark humour.

The show runs just under an hour and though short, it packs a lot of themes into the run time. Don’t Tell Dad About Diana explores coming of age, friendship, secrets, and most importantly, homophobia and self-acceptance in 1997 Dublin. Each theme is explored in a palatable and relatable way – never forcing a lesson down the audience’s throat – but rather allowing the audience to connect through two very likeable and intriguing characters. By the end of the play the audience audibly ‘aww-ed’ at the characters’ reconciled friendship, which is a credit to the story and the journey shared.

A few questions I’m asking is why this particular story is being told, and why now? There are plenty of parallels between Princess Diana and the characters – both attempting to carve their identity in a more traditional system – both trying to break free from the circumstances they have been found within. But the setting of 1997 Dublin in the midst of Princess Diana’s death can be lost and is difficult to place. Even in a scene where Diana’s death is announced – it was unclear if this was the day of her death, or an anniversary – due to the developed melodrama and high energy of the scene previous to this revelation. More needs to be done to help establish the ‘place’ of the play.

The lighting (Ferdy Emmet), sound (Theo Foley), and set/prop (Gabe Gilmour) design all worked harmoniously together to create a beautiful stage. Although due to the nature of Soho Underbelly’s seating – the show could benefit from taking everything back a few paces to ensure the audience on the furthest sides of the auditorium can see Hannah and Conor in all their glory. Some moments of brilliant facial expression and narrative exposition were lost due to the placement of the actor’s too far down stage.

This story is simple and easy to watch in the best way. You will certainly laugh, watch in awe, and maybe even cry at Don’t Tell Dad About Diana. Murray and Power are wonderful together, their energy infectious and spirited – spurring the play from hilarious teenage mishap to sensitive conversations about the biggest things in life. And the use of rosary beads as Diana’s pearls is a touch of genius and perfectly sums up the whole show!

Don’t Tell Dad About Diana is playing at The Underbelly Boulevard Soho on the 26th and 28th of May 2026 following a very successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025.

★ ★ ★ ★

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