Jonathan Maitland’s play examining the ethics surrounding the infamous Martin Bashir interview with Princess Diana is fascinating to watch, but equally just lacking the depth required to fully explore the subject.
Given his own experience in journalism and broadcasting, it isn’t a surprise that Jonathan Maitland has chosen to cover this controversial and infamous 1995 interview between journalist Martin Bashir and Princess Diana given how deeply it caused in recent times (along with phone hacking of course) the ethics of journalism in the UK in recent times.
Taking the audience through how Bashir managed to obtain the interview in the first place all the way through to the enquiry in 2021 in which Bashir’s methods were in breach of the BBC editorial conduct among other things, The Interview is a fascinating insight to anyone with a strong interest in journalism and the way the media has changed over the years. Originally seen at the Park Theatre in October, it is now available to watch digitally courtesy of Original Theatre and feels still suitably gripping in this form to capture and hold the audience’s attention.
From start to finish, Michael Fentiman’s production has a real cat and mouse feel about it, with Diana’s interactions with the journalist feeling as though she doesn’t really buy into his sincerity but part of her longing for someone to be trustworthy in helping her tell her side of the story. Maitland’s script is suitably barbed, with a sense of cynicism to it that asks probing questions about the morals in journalism and media – do we really at any stage get the truth or is it manipulated to suit those with an agenda (as we see in the well choreographed scene in which the interview is being edited)? While ultimately there are no real answers to be found in this play, there is a deeply psychological aspect to it as Bashir manipulates and charms his way into getting an interview with Diana (including using his own brother to gain sympathy) – the whole vibe has a feel of Netflix’s acclaimed The Crown to it: filled with conversations (in the build up to the interview) which may or may not have happened.
The main issue with the play is that everything feels hurried and doesn’t feel explore the heavier issues in as much detail as it could. The way in which Bashir used every ounce of his skill to manipulate and break rules, all for the sake of getting a bit of the fame and recognition as a journalist he desired could have had a bit more attention paid to it – as could the investigation in which exposed his methods. Another point to be mentioned is that neither of the central characters are allowed to have a fuller personality outside the development of the interview,which is a shame as it would have offered slightly more understanding as to why Bashir chase to pursue this particular interview with such doggedness or why Diana wanted to express herself through a television interview (aside from trying to strike out at the Royal family) – particularly given she consistently wonders throughout if the public were tired with her.
Set on blank canvas set, this production really does expose the characters, leaving the cast nowhere to hide, with each of them binging their characters to life vividly – even if in places the script lets their characters down. Tibu Fortes as Martin, highlights the many contrasting aspects to the character perfectly, highlighting his increasing sense of ambition and misguided attitude – in many ways orchestrating his own downfall. It is a perfectly pitched performance. Yolanda Kettle as Diana captures her mannerisms perfectly, but also highlights as sense of sharpness and distrust in those surrounding her while trying to make her voice heard is heartbreaking in many ways.
For the most part, the script is clear cut and sharp while the production is sharply focused, but The Interview still leaves much unsaid and could use a little more development to pack more of a punch. But it still remains a intriguing and gripping play in many ways.
By Emma Clarendon
The Interview is available to stream via the Original Theatre website until the 19th December 2025.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐