Diana; Queen of Hearts
Diana; Queen of Hearts is an original musical from Malta written in 1999 about the life of Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales (1961 - 1997). The musical is written by Joe Julian Farrugia with music by Joe Brown. Produced by Kumpanija Teatru Rjal, the musical was performed for a number of times at the Oracle Theatre in Qawra, and then at the Catholic Institute Auditorium in Floriana.
Synopsis
The musical kicks off with the official announcement of the engagement between Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles, the heir to the throne. From the start, the young sweetheart is already continuously shadowed by the press. Her charming personality makes her the new public darling. As a result of her marriage she becomes the country’s future queen.
But formality at the palace is too much for a Princess who loves to mingle with people. She admits this with Nick, a member of the press who is ever-present at her public occasions. Her drawing nearer to the crowds on many occasions takes the limelight from her husband, the heir to the throne. Charles accuses her of being too much of a mannequin. After continuous reports by the press claiming extra marital love affairs, the couple’s separation is announced. The public shows endless support to Diana both before and after their official divorce. She keeps on touring the ever-adorable crowds showing her their love, without herself having a love for her own.
When the news of her sudden death arrives at the Palace, everyone is expected to remain silent without any show of sorrow, but Charles is enraged and heavily grieved. The public shows its respects to their deceased dearest. On hearing the alleged role of the press in her death, they are furious at the journalists trying to report the proceedings. They also protest at the monarchy’s lack of homage.
Finally, the Queen addresses the country, and at the most fitting funeral, the public turns out to pledge its love for Diana, who although was never given the chance to become queen, will forevermore be the Queen in the people’s hearts.
Songs
ACT I
| Overture | instrumental |
| London Town | Nick & Pressmen |
| Diana So much love to give | Charles & Diana |
| Hustle in Town | Nick |
| Wedding March | People |
| Headlines | Nick & People |
| In the Crowds | Diana & People |
| The Children’s Song | Children from among the crowds |
| Formality | Diana & Nick |
| The Struggle | Charles & Diana |
| An Odd Marriage | Diana |
| The Breakup | Queen, Prince Philip, Queen Mother, Charles and Diana |
| The People’s Support | People |
| Divorce | Queen, Prince Philip & Queen Mother |
| Alone | Diana |
ACT II
| Humanity | Nick & pressmen |
| The News | Queen, Prince Philip & Charles |
| Royal Tears | Queen Mother, Charles, William and Harry |
| People’s Respects | People |
| The Protest | People, Nick & Pressmen |
| Queen’s Address | Queen |
| Funeral March | instrumental |
| Final Elegy | People |
| Queen of Hearts | Diana & People |
Cast
| Character | Singer |
|---|---|
| Diana, Princess of Wales | Karen Polidano |
| Nick | Lawrence Gray |
| Prince Charles | Mark Doneo |
| Queen Elizabeth II | Leontine |
| Prince William (grown-up) | Andrew Zahra |
| Prince Harry (grown-up) | Christian Arding |
| Member of the Public 1 | Miriam Christine Borg |
| Member of the Public 2 | Ludwig Galea |
| Member of the Public 3 | Julie Zahra |
| Member of the Public 4 | Patrick Vella |
| Child 1 | Amy Brown |
| Child 2 | Brendan Borg |
| Child 3 | Julie Pomorski |