BREAKING onto the British stage this spring for the first time since it was created in the Danish countryside by Peter Schaufuss, is 'Diana The Princess', part musical, part dance and 100% celebration of the life of Her late Royal Highness, Diana, Princess of Wales.

Featuring music by artists as diverse as The Cure and Sir Edward Elgar, 'Diana The Princess' will preview at The Palace Theatre, Manchester, on 8 March 2005 before starting its run in the West End in May.

Diana's death had a profound effect on those who knew her personally, among them Peter Schaufuss, who had first met her through his role as Artistic Director of the English National Ballet and subsequently became friends.

Schaufuss says on the production, "It's not so much ballet as a musical 'without words'. A celebration definitely, and my personal take on this very special person and her short but telling life. I would never have faced this tremendous challenge had I not known the person behind Princess Diana to the extent that I did."

'Diana The Princess' is the sensitive story of a girl who married the heir to the British throne at the very young age of 20 and matured into a deeply respected and much-loved role model for her generation. She was finally divorced from the Prince in 1996 and began to make a life for herself away from the strangulation of Royal protocol.

Playing Diana in this first UK production is English-born Zara Deakin, who first created the role in Denmark last year.

'Diana The Princess' is at The Palace Theatre Manchester from 8-12 March 2005. For more information and to buy tickets please telephone the venue box office on 0870 401 3000.