In what could be dubbed the royal casting of the year, Denise Welch has been confirmed to portray the Queen in the upcoming stage musical "Diana: The Musical".
At 65, Welch, despite the recent end of her son's relationship with pop icon Taylor Swift, couldn't be more thrilled to participate in this theatre production, set to debut in December. Welch's son, Matty Healy, is a member of the band, The 1975.
David Bryan, keyboardist for the renowned rock band Bon Jovi, has composed the music for the production. The play, which kicked off on Broadway, is set to arrive in Hammersmith on December 4.
Welch expressed particular delight at one observer's comment, which labelled her new role as "maybe the most iconic British pop culture moment in the 21st century".
Sharing the spotlight with Welch is Kerry Ellis, who will assume the role of Princess Diana. Ellis is celebrated as the first British actress to don the role of Elphaba in the musical Wicked.
Maiya Quansah-Breed, who previously earned an Olivier nomination for her portrayal of Catherine Parr in the musical Six, will be seen as a 19-year-old Diana.
Despite her prolific career that spans Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, Welch may not be the preferred choice for royal enthusiasts. Her recent Loose Women quip, in which she referred to Camilla as King Charles' "side piece", has likely not endeared her to the royal family. Nonetheless, they're not expected to be among the audience members when the curtain rises.
