Marilyn: The Woman Behind the Icon at Upstairs at the Gatehouse Review
Written by Jenna for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
There’s something wonderfully fitting about a show exploring the private life of Marilyn Monroe being staged in the intimate surroundings of Upstairs at the Gatehouse. Cosy yet atmospheric, the North London venue provides a ‘behind the scenes’ feel for Marilyn: The Woman Behind the Icon, a new play with music that aims to look beyond the platinum curls and red lipstick to uncover the vulnerable Norma Jeane beneath the legend that is Marilyn Monroe.
Rather than offering a straightforward retelling of Marilyn’s life, the production takes a more unusual approach. The story unfolds through two versions of the troubled star: a 100-year-old Marilyn reflecting on her experiences (fittingly just before her 100th birthday on June 1st), while scenes featuring her younger self play out in real time. It’s an intriguing concept and one that allows the audience to consider her life choices with the benefit of hindsight.
As the younger Marilyn, Alice Mayer certainly looks the part, capturing many of Marilyn’s signature mannerisms and breathy charm with care and affection. Meanwhile, Donna King’s older Marilyn delivers a far more intense and reflective performance, creating an effective contrast between youthful innocence and the wisdom of age. Together, the pair create an interesting dual portrait of one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons.
The live piano accompaniment from musical director Tom Fowkes adds warmth to the production and gives the scenes an old-Hollywood feel. The songs added to the play are effective at developing the story and characterisation, though unlike a musical, the show doesn’t rely on song and dance to drive the plot, but rather to enhance it. For me, “Switch It on Like Marilyn” stands out as the strongest and most memorable number of the show. While some of the remaining songs feel less distinctive, there are still enjoyable vocal performances from the cast. I feel that microphones may have helped create a more polished and professional sound, creating more powerful musical moments.
The set design by Phil Newman is simple but generally effective, making good use of the performance space. However, with older Marilyn stationed at her dressing table on the main stage for the entirety of the production, other scenes can occasionally feel restricted to the sidelines. Some entrances and exits from supporting cast members also appear slightly unnecessary, as though certain transitions are still finding their final rhythm. The costumes, also by Phil Newman, are a real highlight throughout, helping to evoke the glamour and recognisable imagery associated with Marilyn’s career.
Written and directed by Andrea Milton-Furlotti, who also appears as Marilyn’s mother, Gladys, the production clearly comes from a place of genuine admiration and passion for its subject. That affection for Marilyn shines through strongly. At present, though, the narrative can feel somewhat underdeveloped, with certain elements, particularly Marilyn’s relationships and marriages, touched on only briefly and without significant depth. The first act’s focus on rehab and Gladys’ mental health struggles introduces darker emotional material, though the storytelling occasionally feels fragmented in its structure.
For me, Katherine Alpen delivers some of the evening’s strongest work in the roles of Aunt Ida and Paula Strasberg, bringing a natural and believable presence to both characters. Jamie Withers also makes an impression as Joe DiMaggio, one of the few relationships given meaningful attention within the script.
Marilyn: The Woman Behind the Icon is clearly a production with ambition and heart. The central idea is compelling, and there is definite potential here for a powerful musical exploring Marilyn Monroe’s complicated life and legacy. While the script could benefit from further refinement, tighter monologues and more memorable musical numbers, the foundations are certainly in place. Like Marilyn herself, the show is at its most compelling when the glamour fades and vulnerability takes centre stage.
Catch Marilyn: The Woman Behind the Icon at Upstairs at the Gatehouse until 24th May.
★ ★ ★
