The Marilyn Conspiracy, Park Theatre Review
Genevieve Gaunt as Marilyn Monroe in the Marilyn Conspiracy. Photo by NUX PhotographyWritten by Bronagh for Theatre and Tonic.
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.
Content warnings: strong language and sexual references
Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most famous women in the world, over sixty years after her death. Memorabilia adorned with her image are still sold worldwide, the American bombshell who met a tragic end. Although officially recorded as a ‘probable suicide’, Marilyn’s death has been the subject of many conspiracy theories which is what piqued the interest of co-writer Vicki McKellar. The Marilyn Conspiracy follows seven of Marilyn’s closest confidantes in the following hours after Marilyn’s death, as they try to piece together the circumstances and come up with a believable story while protecting themselves and others.
Upon arriving at the Park Theatre, I was informed that there had been a very last minute cast change due to cast illness. Natasha Colenso was now playing Patricia Kennedy-Lawford. Due to the last minute change, Colenso would have her script in hand. By Act 2 she had settled into the role and appeared a lot less nervous. She played a brilliant part, and I really enjoyed her performance. I can definitely picture her becoming more and more confident as the run continues, and a well done to her for stepping in so last minute.
We walk into the theatre, where we are greeted by Sarah June Mills’ set. The set looks like an ordinary 1960s living room with a record player in sight, Life magazine on the coffee table and, of course, a champagne bucket. This is where we first meet Marilyn (Genevieve Gaunt), wrapped up in a white robe and twirling a telephone wire with her fingers, complete with the famous blonde hairdo and winged eyeliner. The stage revolves for the most of the show, with characters exiting at four different corners and Tom Turner’s lighting signifying scene changes. I liked the set and the lighting choices, they set the scene perfectly taking us back to 1962.
As somebody with limited knowledge of Marilyn Monroe and her death, unlike McKellar who has done her research! The entire show is well executed and well thought through, with the years of research apparent. McKellar and her co-writer Guy Masterson have respected Marilyn throughout and created a show worth watching. The entire cast embodies their characters, showing the raw emotion and panic surrounding the death of their friend, who they all know to be extremely vulnerable. The characters of Peter Lawford (Declan Bennett) and Patricia Kennedy-Lawford were standout ‘shady’ characters, with a wobbly relationship with Marilyn and wanting to protect the Kennedy brothers from scrutiny.
Although the primary topic of The Marilyn Conspiracy is about Marilyn’s death and the murky circumstances, I also really enjoyed those little looks into her life. A particular favourite of mine was scenes with her friend Pat Newcomb (Susie Amy), where they were seen having giggly conversations about anyone and anything – from ‘the big O’ with Marlene Dietrich, to Joe DiMaggio, back to drinking Dom Perignon and discussing therapy sessions. I really enjoyed these little snippets. Gaunt’s performance as Marilyn was stunning to watch. She really embodies the little giggles, the way she spoke and presented herself as well as showing the more fragile and lonely side of Marilyn.
The Marilyn Conspiracy is long, at approximately two and a half hours (including an interval). I did feel like some parts dragged and I found myself having to regain focus. Saying that, I can’t think of any parts which could be cut out. There were a few points I noticed members of the cast stumble on words, however, this is a teething problem and is sure to improve in time – it is in its early days after all.
The Marilyn Conspiracy is a thrilling addition to the Park Theatre’s programme, which is certain to leave you wondering what actually happened on the evening of Marilyn Monroe’s death. Not one to miss!
At Park Theatre until 27th July 2024.
★ ★ ★ ★
