Monroe’s early death in 1962 spawned numerous conspiracy theories. Writer Elton Townsend Jones ignores these and bases his work on the premise that her death was just a tragic accident.

He has Monroe, in her final hours, talking to the audience and reflecting on her life, which is told backwards in time. This way Jones hopes to reveal the real person behind the glamorous star – the noodle, as she called herself, rather than the studio-created sex symbol.

Starting with her friendships with the Kennedys, she related life with her three husbands, her various affairs and being groomed by and chained to Fox studios. Behind the dumb blonde image lay a talented, frustrated artist afflicted with physical and mental problems – a loving person constantly searching for love and security.

Her early years made the biggest impact – illegitimate, mother and grandmother in mental institutions, life in an orphanage and foster homes. The most powerful and moving scene concerned being raped when she was eight years old – an experience that physically and emotionally scarred her.

Lizzie Wort’s solo performance was a stunning tour de force that beautifully captured the essence of Monroe. It cried out for a more intimate venue.