The last spoken word in the playing of this sophisticated, professionally done, production of Blonde The Musical is ‘wonderful’ and this sums up exactly what it is – wonderful. It’s a brand new musical by Adam Howell and Paul Hurt and it has a real depth of quality to it that is part due to the happy marriage of the book, the lyrics and the songs that complete this compelling musical drama that, by this company, is superbly acted and sung by the young professional performers.

The staging is very simple with little decoration except a background of clothes rails and the movement and positioning of some furniture. The apron of the small stage is well utilised and the bijou band of three musicians are superb. What also makes this production work so well is the combination of dramatic lighting and sound by Stephen and Harry Greatorex.

Verity Power is magnificent as Marilyn Monroe both in acting and her sung vocals. Power wisely gives us only a seductive hint at the famous husky voice of Marilyn and offers us instead, a multi dimensional character on stage that is totally believable. As her Norma Jeane Baker younger self Anna Bond shines, particularly in her emotional songs.

The song highlights are The Girl From Long Ago, It’s Marilyn, Two Heads Are Better Than One, Good Old Fashioned Romance, Blonde, This Lady’s Running The Show and Daddy Please Come Home.

The male cast are compelling throughout with fine performances from Charlie Ellerton as Joe Dimaggio and Arthur Miller, Finlay Paul grows in character across the story as the fictional photographer Georgie Gifford, Maison Kelly is bombastic as Darryl F Zanuck and a very sweary Laurence Oliver. Tom Hopcroft is almost unrecognisable as Jimmy Dougherty.

We loved the stark contrast between Louise Grantham’s extravert Paula Strasberg and Marilyn’s mentally ill Momma. Natalia Brown brings real gutsy life to her American gossip columnist Hedda Hopper. The hard working ensemble also include Chloe Hopcroft, Becky Wrench, Sam Holden, Chelsea Hawkins and Jinny Gould.

As a streamed production Blonde The Musical hits all the right notes in terms of a high quality, engaging show with spot on acting, directing, choreography and stage values throughout. A definite four star ‘must see‘ that gives us plenty of retrospective drama and insights into the life of a female movie star for whom life wasn’t as ‘wonderful’ as it might seem on the surface.

Streamed on-demand via LiveTickets.org from Saturday 1st – Sunday 16th May.

Theatre, at anytime, in the comfort of your own home

Tickets on sale NOW from £15

Book Online: livetickets.org

Box Office: 01332 255800

Produced by Kristian Thomas Company LTD & Tom Hopcroft.

All COVID-19 guidelines will be adhered to and upon seeking advice from national theatrical bodies, appropriate measures and testing will be enforced.