Main House: Marilyn: Forever Blonde

This event has now finished Until Wed Nov 18 Leicester Square Theatre, 5 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX Full details & map

Theatre: West End

Last chance

Time Out says 

Posted: Wed Oct 28 2009

It is impossible to imagine Marilyn Monroe at the height of her fame having the stamina to take a one-woman show like this out on the road. It's more likely that we would be sitting in the theatre waiting for her to turn up. Sunny Thompson has much of the film star down to a T: the soft voice, the wriggling derrière, the smile that reduced men to mush, but what she lacks is Monroe's desperate vulnerability.

For this she should be grateful. The script is entirely made up of the siren's own words, and most noticeable is her devastating honesty as she frankly admits that she slept her way to the top. Nearly 50 years after her death, is there anything more to say about a tortured and talented woman who died too young? If there is, you won't find it here. For the star-struck only.

Leicester Square Theatre details

Leicester Square Theatre, 5 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX

Transport Leicester Square 

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17 comments Add a comment

Contrary to what this reviewer writes, in the production I saw in the USA, the essence and the greatness of Sunny’s performance was the revelation of Marilyn’s vulnerability. And without that quality, Sunny’s performance would have been just another stereotypical rendition of the Hollywood icon, albeit a far more professional and theatrically satisfying one. But that is not the case. Sunny brings out the vulnerability of Marilyn in many scenes, especially in the one where she reveals the secret of Marilyn’s penchant for and addiction to older, dominating men. When Sunny sings, “My Heart Belongs to Daddy,” the audience sees how Marilyn was trying to achieve her long-lost identity through the men in her life and the mirror that Hollywood held up for her. Indeed, the Marilyn that Sunny conjures up on the makes the audience feel deeply for this lost and wayward woman-child. In the most symbolic pieces of action, Marilyn (Sunny) sits in front of a mirror, removing her makeup and the image Hollywood has painted of her and revealing her true self. As the false veneer comes off, not only is the plain old Norma Jean seen, but also Marilyn’s vulnerability is exposed for all to see. Again, it is one thing to exhibit the outward form of Marilyn, but Sunny reveals the inner dynamics. It seems to me, that it is the “desperate vulnerability” of Marilyn that Sunny so poignantly displays, which makes for such a gut-wrenching tour-de-force performance and makes the audience feel . . . no, weep for this little girl lost as she “lays herself down to sleep” for the last time. And makes us “pray the Lord her soul to keep.”

Posted by Paul Turse on Nov 6 2009 9:58pm

Marilyn Forever Blonde is the MOST AMAZING theatre performance I have ever seen!! Truly an honor to watch someone portray an amazing icon just as if you were seeing Marilyn herself in person. Truly the most amazing experience and one I will never ever forget. Sunny Thompson deserves, a Tony Award or 12 for her amazing performance. This emotional journey is definately one that nobody should miss!!!!

Posted by Tiffany =) on Oct 27 2009 7:01pm

Sunny Thompson resurrects Norma Jean with compassion and humor as she captivates the audience. If Marilyn was here today i believe she would approve and be laughing and crying along with the rest of us. Thanks Sunny for the insight into a beautiful mysterious American icon.

Posted by Michelle White on Oct 27 2009 3:28pm

Sunny Thompson resurrects Norma Jean with compassion and humor as she captivates the audience. If Marilyn was here today i believe she would approve and be laughing and crying along with the rest of us. Thanks Sunny for the insight into a beautiful mysterious American icon.

Posted by Michelle White on Oct 27 2009 3:28pm

Sunny Thompson resurrects Norma Jean with compassion and humor as she captivates the audience. If Marilyn was here today i believe she would approve and be laughing and crying along with the rest of us. Thanks Sunny for the insight into a beautiful mysterious American icon.

Posted by Michelle White on Oct 27 2009 3:28pm

I can't recommend this show highly enough. Sunny Thompson is magnificent and captivating as Marilyn Monroe. I was a little worried by the title of the show that it may be a little tacky, but fear not though, this is a first class performance and truly captures the essence of MM. It's almost as Sunny Thompson is channelling Monroe and she's in the room with you. A five star performance that I won't forget.

Posted by Chris, London on Oct 26 2009 4:54pm

Fabulous show Sunny! Your depiction of Marilyn is so true and thoroughly entertaining. Thanks for a great evening out!

Posted by Kim Schafer on Oct 26 2009 3:47pm

Marilyn:Forever Blonde is a sensational play with Sunny Thompson bringing to life the complex role of Marilyn Monroe. Leaving the theatre I really felt that I had been in the presence of this great star and I am very hard to please. This is a not to be missed opportunity to explore the depth and sensitivity of this amazing actress who forever altered the Twentieth Century. Greg Schreiner President, Marilyn Remembered

Posted by Greg Schreiner on Oct 26 2009 3:47pm

the show is truly amazing anyone who wants to see it, i recommend it, one of the best plays I have ever seen in my life I have been touched by Marilyn: Forever Blonde, xx

Posted by Phoebe Duffy on Oct 26 2009 3:30pm

I was fortunate enough to see Marilyn: Forever Blonde numerous times (and wish I had had the opportunity to see it more). Ms. Thompson's talent brings the audience into the presence of Marilyn herself live on stage....and speaking the words and singing the tunes of Marilyn as well. Ms. Thompson remarkably not only channels Marilyn's stunning look and voice, but her very essence as well and that is truly remarkable. This fascinating portrait is something that you should not miss! Be prepared for being astounded, enthralled and saddened by the life, words and music of Marilyn.....brought live to the stage by the extremely talented Ms. Sunny Thompson!

Posted by Keith Alan Burrows on Oct 26 2009 2:31pm

Everyone should go and see Marilyn Forever Blonde. Sunny Thompson is Magnificent as Marilyn. I sat watching her, and soon Sunny.s magic took over and I was sitting there watching and listening to the real Marilyn. 2 hours flew by, and I did not want it to end. Sunny is beautjful, stunning and the best Marilyn I have seen. A true Star. Go and see this show while you can, and lets hope she comes back to the UK soon.

Posted by Valerie Hillyard-Samuel on Oct 26 2009 2:19pm

This was a night to remember-Forever Blonde is an amazing experience. It's hard to imagine anybody even coming cloce to capturing the essence of Marilyn, but Sunny Thompson does more then that. She becomes Marilyn and never leaves her, even for split second. It's one of those one in the lifetime opportunities you simply can't miss!

Posted by Anthony Uzarowski on Oct 25 2009 10:42pm

I've had the privilege of seeing this amazing show twice and I am definitely going again! Sunny brings Marilyn to life in a way I have never witnessed before (and I've seen many try!) - on stage or film - using Marilyn's own words as she reflects back on her life - an absolute MUST SEE for both Marilyn fans and non Marilyn fans alike - I can't recommend it highly enough! www.lovingmarilyn.com

Posted by Shar Daws on Oct 25 2009 10:24am

Do not miss this masterful, heartfelt, performance. Sunny sings like an angel and almost magically "becomes" Marilyn .You will remember this performance forever.

Posted by Barbara Carranza on Oct 25 2009 5:44am

When I first saw Sunny Thompson in Hollywood California on stage I was in awe of her Magnificent Entertaining Performance as Marilyn Monroe. She hold's your attention from begging to end and leaves you wanting more !!! Get your Tickets Now !!!

Posted by Shellee-Ann Kellee on Oct 25 2009 4:44am

Go see this play (Marilyn Forever Blonde). Sunny Thompson captures Marilyn in a jaw dropping convincing portrayal of the wonderful Marilyn Monroe. If you are a MM fan it is an absolute must see and if you aren't you will be!! Sunny gives a magical spell binding performance...she is absolutely stunning and has a magnificent voice! I went Thursday and I am going again tomorrow night! Can't wait!

Posted by Dawn Jones on Oct 25 2009 1:55am

Marilyn Monroe - Forever Blond Totally gripped and entertained throughout the faultless performance. Sunny Thompson is both stunning, entertaining and captivating in her story telling and has the voice of an angel. 10/10 A must see. Andy Bendell. Surrey

Posted by Andy on Oct 23 2009 3:19pm

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