Pixie Lott to star as Marilyn Monroe in WHO KILLED MARILYN? at London's Emerald Theatre
It jas been announced that singer, songwriter and actress Pixie Lott* will star as Marilyn Monroe in Who Killed Marilyn? when it makes it world premiere at London’s Emerald Theatre this summer from 15 August - 29 October.
Joining Pixie Lott as Marilyn are principal cast members Julie Armstrong (Ballet Shoes, National Theatre), Benjamin Dilloway (Pride and Prejudice, Regents Park Open Air Theatre), Ryan Ellsworth (The Motive and the Cue, National Theatre/West End), Martin Hancock (Present Laughter, UK Tour), Paul Kane (The Contraception Fair, short film), Rob Maloney (A Clockwork Orange, Soho Theatre), Henry Proffit (A Sherlock Carol, Marylebone Theatre), and Mars Sams (professional stage debut). The company is completed by offstage covers Joshua Ford, Eliot Giuralrocca, Dean Michael Gregory, Emma Haines, and Ricky Shah.
Pixie Lott said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be stepping into the iconic shoes of Marilyn Monroe for Who Killed Marilyn? at the Emerald Theatre in the West End. I have always loved Marilyn - she is such a fascinating, timeless legend, and bringing her complex story to life on this beautiful stage and being her every night is an absolute dream come true for me. I can't wait for audiences to experience the mystery, the glamour, and the raw emotion we will be pouring into this incredible play.”
Producer Tegan Summer added: “Marilyn Monroe's story has been told many times, but never like this. I couldn't be more proud to bring it to the West End with the extraordinary Pixie Lott in the titular role. Sharleen Cooper Cohen has given voice to the woman behind the icon, and when I read her play, I knew it belonged on the London stage. Under Phil McKinley's direction, audiences will question everything they thought they knew. Who Killed Marilyn? changes the conversation.”
Who Killed Marilyn? is a bold new play that dares to challenge the most enduring myth surrounding one of the twentieth century's most iconic women. Drawing on decades of documented evidence, conspiracy, and cover-up, the production presents a vivid and provocative re-examination of the life and death of Marilyn Monroe, placing her at the centre of a web of power, politics, and desire that reached the highest levels of American government and organised crime.
Who Killed Marilyn? restores Marilyn Monroe to her rightful place, not as victim, but as a woman of extraordinary intelligence, wit, and force, whose story has never been fully told. Until now.
Joining book writer Sharleen Cooper Cohen and director Philip Wm. McKinley on the creative team are casting director Rob Kelly, set designer Justin Williams, costume designer Jasmine Swan, lighting designer Jack Weir, sound designer Christopher Reid and AV designer Libby Ward, with wigs, hair & make-up design by Jess Plews and Joanna Tomeo for JJ Wigs, and intimacy direction by Jordan Langford.
*Please note: Pixie Lott will not be performing on Thursday or Saturday matinees or on 28 August, 29 August, 24 October, 25 October. At these performances, the role of Marilyn will be played by Emma Haines.
