This is an original slice of Americana with Eastenders actress Michelle Collins taking on the role of the Marilyn Monroe impersonator Denise, a Londoner in LA.
It’s loosely based on a real-life character Collins met when travelling the boulevard of broken dreams. Written by Ben Weatherill, there are many superficial connections between the U.S actress born in 1926 and Denise, placed here in 1980s America.
This black comedy focuses on the dark side of trying to make it in the entertainment industry and an underclass that chases fame and fortune, only to find an endless series of disappointments and tragedies.
While the real Marilyn had Maf the dog for company, Denise talks to her pet snake Bobby to listen to her trials as she flits around her Marilyn-covered motorhome while getting ready to perform. It reminds you of the famous story of Monroe explaining how she became Marilyn, going from an anonymous person to becoming the Marilyn character in a New York Street, stopping traffic and turning heads.
The script taps into what it’s like to have an unhealthy obsession with a superstar icon and how it drains the life and character out of some. Collins delivers a knock-out performance, especially during her delivery of River Of No Return which packs an emotional punch.
Perhaps Denise delivers an insight into how Norman Jeane Mortensen’s life might have turned out had she not become the ultimate blonde bombshell with red lipstick. Much like Marilyn’s life, there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, and the story barrels towards an ultimately bleak and hopeless ending. Despite that, the audience is on their feet, clapping loudly, having loved every minute.
