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Diana musical to stream on Netflix before Broadway

Photo credit: Tim Graham - Getty Images
Photo credit: Tim Graham - Getty Images

From Harper's BAZAAR

A musical about Diana, Princess of Wales, that was scheduled to debut on Broadway will now air first on Netflix instead. The news marks an unprecedented move among the theatre industry, which is struggling to deal with the ramifications of covid-19.

This is the first time a Broadway show has premiered on television before making its theatrical debut.

The production had been planned to open in March on Broadway, but lockdown forced all theatres to close. It is thought that they may not reopen until next year.

A filmed version of the musical will created without an audience and will feature the original cast, including Jeanna de Waal as Diana and Roe Hartrampf as Prince Charles. Netflix has not yet announced an air date.

"Though there is no substitute for the live theatre, we are honoured to be a part of the quality entertainment that Netflix provides its subscribers worldwide," the producers of Diana said in a joint statement, reports the BBC.

Photo credit: Bruce Glikas
Photo credit: Bruce Glikas


In July, Disney+ streamed Hamilton on television for the first time, a move happily received by audiences and critics.

Production companies have held back from releasing theatre shows on the small screen because of worries it would stop audiences going to see the live version. However, experts say that a filmed version can create buzz and exposure.

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