In a world where Hollywood dreams often dissolve into reality’s harsh glare, Motorhome Marilyn emerges as a riveting theatrical exploration of one woman’s struggle to live under the shimmering yet suffocating shadow of an icon. Written by celebrated playwright Ben Weatherill, Motorhome Marilyn is a one-woman dark comedy that delves deep into the psyche of an English woman chasing stardom in the 1980s as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator. Performed by renowned actress Michelle Collins at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the production has captivated audiences with its emotionally charged narrative, raw vulnerability, and unflinching commentary on ambition, identity, and isolation.
The Story Behind Motorhome Marilyn
At the heart of the play is Denise—a shy, somewhat lost woman who reinvents herself as “Marilyn” in a bid to seize stardom in the United States. She leaves England behind and finds herself navigating the chaotic underbelly of Hollywood, not on red carpets or studio lots, but between parking spaces, low-budget conventions, and lukewarm parties, all while living in a battered motorhome.
The character of Denise was inspired by a real-life encounter Michelle Collins had in Los Angeles. The woman she met—also a Marilyn Monroe impersonator—had built a life around a fantasy persona, performing sporadically while living in her vehicle. This poignant meeting sparked the creation of a character who embodies both the allure and the tragedy of chasing a dream too far.
Ben Weatherill’s Creative Vision
Ben Weatherill is no stranger to writing emotionally resonant stories that spotlight underrepresented voices. From Chicken Dust, a commentary on rural decline and working-class lives, to Jellyfish, a groundbreaking love story involving a woman with Down’s syndrome, Weatherill has consistently chosen characters on the fringes of societal narratives.
In Motorhome Marilyn, he takes his craft a step further. Through a single voice—Denise—he brings to life an entire universe of memory, hope, disillusionment, and ultimately, resilience. The monologue format allows the character to speak directly to the audience, creating an intimate and intense atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.
Michelle Collins: A Transformative Role
Known for her roles in EastEnders and Coronation Street, Michelle Collins brings a wealth of experience and emotional intelligence to the role of Denise. Her performance is a masterclass in vulnerability and restraint. She doesn’t merely impersonate Marilyn Monroe—she reveals the cracks behind the blonde curls and red lipstick. Her Denise is broken but brave, fragile yet determined. It’s a portrayal that strips away glamour to expose the human being underneath.
This role marks a new chapter in Collins’s career, showcasing her range beyond soap opera roles. Her transition into theatre with such a challenging piece has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike, solidifying her place as a serious dramatic actress.
A Reflection on Identity
One of the most compelling aspects of Motorhome Marilyn is its exploration of identity. Denise’s transformation into Marilyn Monroe is both literal and metaphorical. She changes her appearance, her name, her accent—everything. Yet, in doing so, she loses parts of herself. The more she tries to become Marilyn, the more Denise fades into obscurity.
This duality raises essential questions about the cost of reinvention. Is it possible to find oneself by becoming someone else? Or does the act of impersonation inherently strip away authenticity? The play doesn’t offer easy answers, but it forces the audience to consider the consequences of idolising personas and neglecting selfhood.
Themes of Loneliness and Ageing
Set against the glittering mirage of Hollywood, Motorhome Marilyn examines the brutal loneliness that often accompanies the pursuit of fame. Denise’s motorhome, once a symbol of independence and mobility, becomes a prison on wheels. She’s adrift in a foreign land, surrounded by superficial admiration and yet emotionally isolated.
The narrative also touches on the inevitability of ageing—particularly harsh in an industry obsessed with youth and perfection. Denise grapples with the painful truth that her opportunities are dwindling. Her physical appearance no longer matches the youthful image of Marilyn Monroe, and the bookings become fewer and further between. The motorhome becomes not just a home, but a symbol of stalled dreams.
A Commentary on Celebrity Obsession
Weatherill’s play also serves as a scathing commentary on celebrity culture and the destructive impact it can have on ordinary lives. Denise’s obsession with Marilyn Monroe isn’t just admiration—it’s a full-blown identity crisis. She absorbs Marilyn’s persona so completely that she begins to blur the lines between performance and reality.
This theme is particularly relevant in today’s world of social media influencers and digital fame, where many construct idealised versions of themselves to gain validation. Motorhome Marilyn reminds us that behind every perfect smile may lie untold struggles, and that idolisation without context can be deeply damaging.
The Setting as a Character
The motorhome in which Denise lives is not merely a backdrop—it functions almost as a second character in the play. Confined within its cramped space, the audience feels Denise’s physical and emotional claustrophobia. The vehicle, once full of promise, now creaks under the weight of disappointment and unfulfilled dreams.
Hollywood, meanwhile, looms in the distance like a tantalising mirage—always close enough to see, never close enough to touch. The contrast between the sparkle of the city and the rust of the motorhome encapsulates the gap between aspiration and reality.
Humour Amid Despair
Despite its heavy themes, Motorhome Marilyn is laced with moments of biting humour. Denise’s dry wit and self-deprecating remarks create levity in otherwise intense scenes. This balance is one of the play’s greatest strengths, allowing the audience to laugh even as they feel the weight of Denise’s sorrow.
The humour never undermines the emotional gravity but rather amplifies it. By making Denise relatable and endearing, Weatherill ensures that her pain resonates more deeply.
Critical Reception
Since its debut at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Motorhome Marilyn has received widespread acclaim. Critics have lauded it as “heartbreaking and hilarious in equal measure,” “a searing portrait of a woman undone by her dreams,” and “a timely reminder of the human stories behind celebrity culture.”
Audiences have similarly embraced the play, with many relating to Denise’s struggle to define herself in a world that constantly demands reinvention. The emotional resonance, combined with Collins’s powerful performance, makes it one of the standout shows of the festival.
Broader Implications
Beyond its narrative, Motorhome Marilyn invites reflection on the broader human condition. It asks us to consider how we construct our identities, how we measure success, and how we cope with failure. In a culture that often equates visibility with worth, Denise’s journey challenges us to find value in authenticity, however unglamorous it may be.
The play also highlights the importance of mental health and the silent toll of loneliness. Denise’s descent is not dramatic or explosive—it’s quiet, gradual, and all the more tragic for it. Her story is a cautionary tale for anyone who has ever lost themselves while trying to be seen.
Educational and Artistic Value
Motorhome Marilyn also holds significant educational value. It’s an exemplary text for drama students studying monologues, character development, and minimalist theatre. The play demonstrates how a single character, when written and performed with depth, can fill an entire stage and captivate an audience.
Its themes are universal and relevant, making it an excellent choice for academic discussions around media, performance studies, psychology, and feminist theory. Denise’s story intersects with questions about gender performance, societal expectations, and the interplay between private and public identity.
Conclusion
Motorhome Marilyn is a stunning piece of theatre that weaves comedy, tragedy, and cultural critique into a single, unforgettable narrative. Through Denise’s voice, Ben Weatherill and Michelle Collins bring to life a story that is as heartbreaking as it is necessary. It is a play that speaks not just to the dreamers and performers, but to anyone who has ever wondered if they are enough.
In the confined space of a motorhome, under the harsh lights of make-believe stardom, Motorhome Marilyn finds the beating heart of humanity. It’s a story of dreams deferred, identities unravelled, and ultimately, the quiet courage it takes to live truthfully—even when no one is watching.
