Culture

Pixie Lott stars as Marilyn Monroe in new West End drama, says: “It’s a dream come true!”

Pixie Lott in Who Killed Marilyn

Pixie Lott is set to play Marilyn Monroe when Who Killed Marilyn? receives its world premiere at London’s Emerald Theatre this summer.

Opening on August 15, the new production promises a fresh examination of one of Hollywood’s most enduring figures, placing Monroe at the centre of a story that blends documented history with the mysteries that have surrounded her death for more than six decades.

Lott arrives at the role with an established career that spans music, television and the stage. She first found fame with chart-topping singles including Mama Do and Boys & Girls, before building an acting career that has taken in Breakfast at Tiffany’s at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, Made in Dagenham at the London Palladium, and screen roles in Christmas Karma, Past Life and McDonald & Dodds. Her latest studio album, Encino, was released last year.

The play sets out to explore the forces that shaped Monroe’s final years…


Who Killed Marilyn? play cast preview

Produced by Tegan Summer Theatricals, Who Killed Marilyn? is written by Sharleen Cooper Cohen and directed by Philip Wm. McKinley. Rather than revisiting familiar Hollywood mythology, the play sets out to explore the forces that shaped Monroe’s final years, drawing on decades of documented evidence, conspiracy theories and political intrigue. 

Lott is joined by a cast that includes Julie Armstrong, Benjamin Dilloway, Ryan Ellsworth, Martin Hancock, Paul Kane, Rob Maloney, Henry Proffit and Mars Sams, with Emma Haines leading a team of covers and taking on the title role at selected performances. The creative team brings together experienced theatre talent, with Justin Williams designing the set, Jasmine Swan creating the costumes, Jack Weir overseeing lighting, Christopher Reid handling sound and Libby Ward providing AV design. Wigs, hair and make-up are by Jess Plews and Joanna Tomeo for JJ Wigs.

Speaking about the role, the star described portraying Monroe as “an absolute dream come true”, adding “I can’t wait for audiences to experience the mystery, the glamour, and the raw emotion we will be pouring into this incredible play.”

Marilyn Monroe murder mystery

Producer Tegan Summer believes the play offers a new perspective on one of the twentieth century’s most recognisable women, arguing that it will encourage audiences to reconsider what they think they know about Marilyn Monroe.

“Under Phil McKinley’s direction, audiences will question everything they thought they knew. Who Killed Marilyn? changes the conversation.”

For theatre-goers, the attraction lies in more than celebrity casting. Monroe remains one of popular culture’s most fascinating figures, and this production appears intent on looking beyond the platinum hair and Hollywood glamour.

The Emerald Theatre provides an intimate setting for a story built around character as much as spectacle, while McKinley’s direction and a seasoned creative team suggest a production with cinematic ambition.

Who Killed Marilyn? opens at the Emerald Theatre on August 15 and runs until October 29 2026.

Disney+ confirms Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 3 air date and plot

Disney has used the San Diego Comic-Con to look towards another established fantasy franchise with fresh details surrounding the third season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The new season will arrive on Disney+ on November 20 and adapts The Titan’s Curse, the third novel in Rick Riordan’s bestselling series. For the first time, this…

Unknown's avatar

About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and Editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Good Housekeeping, Louder Sounds, StereoNet and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter/X, Tiktok and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK