Review: Motorhome Marilyn - Michelle Collins makes her Edinburgh Fringe debut
- Lisa in the theatre
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
Eastenders legend Michelle Collins makes her Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut in Motorhome Marilyn, a dark comedy by Ben Weatherill, playing Doonstairs at Gilded Balloon Patter House until 25 August 2025.
Motorhome Marilyn: By Ben Weatherill after Stewart Permutt | Based on an idea by Michelle Collins
Motorhome Marilyn ★★☆☆☆
review: 3 August 2025
Motorhome Marilyn was inspired after accomplished actress and Eastenders favourite Michelle Collins' met a real lady known as Motorhome Marilyn in LA. Bringing her play to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the first time, Collins' story is not of that woman, but of an entirely fictional character inspired by her. It's such a great name - I understand why Collins felt so compelled to bring her to the stage.
In this story of Motorhome Marilyn we meet Denise, an aspiring actress who is obsessed with Marilyn Monroe. Denise and Marilyn have a lot in common, and Denise yearns to replicate her idol's fame and beauty. But in the 1980's Denise is living a lonely, unfulfilled life in a trailer park. Dealing with failure, but still infatuated with Marilyn, we join Denise as she recounts her story to her pet snake Bobby.
Motorhome Marilyn is a solo play and Michelle Collins herself is great. She has that otherworldly striking beauty and star power that command your attention. I couldn't look away from her. However, the material here is not good enough for her. The play trudges along in a bleak, mournful lumber with little other than Collins herself to thrill or entertain. For a black comedy, the comedy element is lacking.
The book by Ben Weatherill after Michelle Collins' personal friend Stewart Permutt, does rally at the end. The final reveal almost saved this production for me - the twist that ties up a few loose threads is satisfying and welcome. But it's a bit of a slog to get there.
There could be a great play behind the legend of Motorhome Marilyn, but this, unfortunately, is not it.
If you are a fan of Michelle Collins, this is a fantastic opportunity to see her perform live on stage in Edinburgh for around £20. But there's not much else to recommend with this one unfortunately. ★★☆☆☆
Michelle Collins in Motorhome Marilyn - Edinburgh Fringe 2025 details:
Motorhome Marilyn
Venue: Doonstairs, Gilded Balloon
Dates: 30 July to 25 August 2025 (except 13 August)
Time: 5.30pm (60mins)
On-sale Link: https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:5585/
Age Guidance: 12+
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