Marilyn Monroe’s all time favourite costume, the infamous gold dress, will be worn for the first time in a West End production. 

The world’s leading Marilyn Monroe homage artist, Suzie Kennedy, will wear the dress in Bonnie Greer’s play with songs, Marilyn & Ella on 22nd and 29th November at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. 

The dress was designed by William Travilla, Marilyn’s costume designer and one of her closest friends, for the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). It was one of Marilyn’s favourite dresses. A unique design, to this day no designer is quite sure how Travilla made the dress. It was kept locked away in a closet at Travilla’s estate in Palm Springs until a couple of years ago when it was re-discovered. 

The dress is hand pleated, made from one complete circle of fabric, with iron rods running up from the waistline. The dress is so delicate that Suzie has to be helped into the dress for every performance by Andrew Hansford, a Marilyn historian and founder of the Travillacollection.com, which has kindly loaned the dress for the performances. 

Andrew Hansford says: “I’m delighted that Suzie is able to wear Marilyn’s gold dress. It’s so delicate and weighs virtually nothing. As one of Marilyn’s favourite costumes, it’s a great way to complement this real life story.”

Suzie Kennedy, who plays Marilyn Monroe in the play, says: “I’ve spent my life perfecting the Marilyn look, voice and mannerisms, and it’s amazing to now get the opportunity to wear something that was so close to her heart. As the play is based on a true story, Marilyn & Ella, is as real as it gets. It’s a must-see for all Marilyn fans.”

Marilyn & Ella explores the unique friendship of Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald, which defied racism and is rarely touched on in the press.

Marilyn & Ella will play at the Apollo Theatre on 22nd and 29th November with performances at 15.30 and 19.30. The play features one of the world’s most famous Marilyn performers Suzie Kennedy as Marilyn Monroe, with Hope Augustus as Ella Fitzgerald, and is directed by Colin McFarlane. 

For tickets call 0844 412 4658 or see www.marilynandella.com for details. 

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