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Green Room Reviews > Theatre > The Marilyn Consipracy

The Marilyn Consipracy

20th June – 27th July 2024

After a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2018, Writers Vicki McKellar and Guy Masterson bring their updated version of The Marilyn Conspiracy to the Park Theatre for its London debut.  

The premature deaths of our idols are always tragic but the passing of screen legend Marilyn Monroe was a loss mourned more so than ever before.  A heroine of the Golden Age of American movies, the beautiful, talented film star shined brighter than any other and her sudden demise at the age of just 36 is indeed one of Hollywood’s saddest stories.

“This is unarguably one of the best plays on in London and will undoubtedly enjoy great and much deserved success.”

Marilyn Monroe’s death has always been swamped in mystery and controversy with as many theories as unanswered questions.  The fact still remains, we will never know the complete truth.

The Marilyn Conspiracy is a powerful new thriller, tackling the myths and lies which muddy the waters of this tragic story. The play focusses on the shocking events which unfolded during Marilyn’s final days and examines the five hours between the time of death, and the reporting of her apparent suicide.  

Genevieve Gaunt who’s accurate portrayal of Munroe was simply mind blowing.   She oozes style, charisma and presence.  She is witty, playful and, at times childlike.  We see her strength, her vulnerability, her desperation and her success as she inspires those around her and battles with those who try to bring her down. Gaunt is supported by a hugely talented cast most notably Declan Bennett who plays the ethically questionable Peter Lawford.

Set in Monroe’s home where we see her experience the highs and lows of a hugely successful Hollywood career and a disastrous personal life, the story twists and turns like a true Hollywood drama, throwing you off the scent then reeling you back in.

As the plot unravels, we sit, paralysed by what we are witnessing, desperate for a different outcome.  We are there, in the room but helpless, drawn into this story as if we are one of the seven discussing what to do at that very moment in time. 

Director Guy Masterson has created a compelling, gripping and insightful piece of theatre.  Set in the round, with an inspired rotating central platform, we are able to hone in on each ‘suspect’ much like cinematic close-ups Hitchcock used to point the finger or send us on a wild goose chase.  

This is a play so finely crafted that every moment speaks a thousand words. This is unarguably one of the best plays on in London and will undoubtedly enjoy great and much deserved success. 

Stephen Cambridge

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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