Producer Tegan Summer has announced the world premiere of Who Killed Marilyn?, a new play investigating the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe.
The production will run at The Emerald Theatre from 15 August to 29 October 2026, with tickets on sale now.
Written by Sharleen Cooper Cohen and directed by Philip Wm. McKinley, Who Killed Marilyn? promises to re-examine one of the most enduring mysteries of the twentieth century, exploring decades of evidence, conspiracy theories and alleged cover-ups surrounding Monroe’s death.
According to the producers, the play places Monroe at the centre of a story involving political power, organised crime and Hollywood influence, while seeking to present her as more than the tragic figure often portrayed in popular culture.
The production aims to restore Monroe’s legacy as “a woman of extraordinary intelligence, wit, and force, whose story has never been fully told.”
Sharleen Cooper Cohen, whose previous musical credits include An Officer and a Gentleman, said: “My fascination with the real Marilyn Monroe has occupied me while writing this play. Marilyn’s persona spoke to me, and I have honoured that. I am thrilled to see my play, a validation of Marilyn Monroe, on the 100th anniversary of her birth. I am delighted to be working with Tegan Summer Theatricals at the gorgeous Emerald Theatre.”
Director Philip Wm. McKinley said: “When Tegan Summer invited me to join forces with him and author Sharleen Cooper Cohen for the world premiere of the play exploring the mysterious death of Marilyn Monroe, I answered with a resounding and heartfelt “yes.” As a director captivated by Marilyn’s untold stories and determined to illuminate hidden truths, I am thrilled to bring a bold, investigative lens to unravelling the enigma at the heart of “Who Killed Marilyn Monroe.””
Producer Tegan Summer added: “Marilyn Monroe has been with me for many years. Sharleen Cooper Cohen has finally told the story Marilyn was never allowed to tell, and in doing so has reopened a conversation the world closed too soon. When I read this play, I knew it had to be produced on the London stage. Under Philip McKinley’s direction, audiences will question everything they thought they knew about her. Who Killed Marilyn? changes the conversation.”
Joining the creative team are casting director Rob Kelly, set designer Justin Williams, costume designer Jasmine Swan, lighting designer Jack Weir, sound designer Christopher Reid, AV designer Libby Ward and wigs, hair and make-up designer JJ Wigs.
Casting for the production is yet to be announced.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
