Until May 25, The Arts Club Theatre Company presents the award-winning Casey and Diana by Nick Green. Packed with every emotion from hilarious ups to devastating downs, like a thrilling roller coaster Casey and Diana may leave you hopeful to take the ride again and again.
Directed by Andrew Kushnir, Casey and Diana is based on the true story of Her Royal Highness Princess Diana’s 1991 visit to Canada’s first HIV/AIDS hospice, Casey House. The news of the pending Royal visit has the residents of Casey House inspired to make it to the historic occasion. Lauchlin Johnston’s set design brings life to the namesake hospice’s Victoria home, aided by Lighting Designer Jonathan Kim literally keeping a candle in the wind(ow).
Centered on veteran resident, Thomas – a sensational performance by Damien Atkins – who, motivated by his love of Princess Diana rallies the troops as he works hard to build up his stamina for the visit. With a lighting rapier wit, Thomas skewers anyone within earshot, often with era-specific, pop-culture references leading to some of the plays most hilarious moments. Having see a number of roommates come and go, the young Andre – played with a bitter, innocence by Alen Dominguez – is the latest to roll into the shared hospice room. While playing the foil for Thomas, one of the Casey House volunteers, Marjorie – Nora McLellan – takes a motherly shine to Andre. Stalwart employee Vera, played by Ivy Charles, tries her level-headed best to keep everyone on track with their regimes, potentially disrupting the proceedings, Emma Slipp plays Pauline, Thomas’ estranged sister.
With the Torontonians in place, we’re left to welcome Lindsey Angell as the regal Diana, to the stage. As one of the play’s namesakes, Angell’s Princess is everything Thomas and the audience, can imagine, hardly speaking Angell perfectly recreating her doe-eyed presence like it’s straight out of Hello! Magazine. Costume Designer Alison Green brings more realism and memories to Diana’s impeccable wardrobe being such a monumental visit, the flash bulbs have kept Prince Di’s real-life outfits etched in the minds of many. The People’s Princess may be forever remembered but the real-life residents of places like Casey House were easily cast from the memories of families, friends and society in this era. Just like Her Royal Highness’s visit in 1991 brought attention and changed perceptions of those living with HIV/AIDS, in the hands of Green and Kushnir (who also directed the plays 2023 debut at Stratford Festival) Casey and Diana pays a beautiful homage to the residents and those who lived, loved, and cared for them. Vancouverite Nick Green has crafted a can’t-miss dramatic comedy that educates, entertains and offers hope through the tears of the era’s history.
Casey and Diana plays until May 25, 2025 at The Arts Club Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver. Visit artsclub.com for show details, materials and tickets.