Has there ever been a film star more deserving of the over-used word ‘icon?’ Beautiful, blessed with a magical dusting of naive charm, yet so emotionally fragile, Marilyn Monroe continues to the interest the media more than 50 years after her death.

In the stage play, the Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe, she is revealed alone in her bedroom, wearing a dressing gown.

She has overdosed on pills, and begins to unravel her remarkable life, travelling back through the memories of her closest relationships.

Repeatedly stalked by a mysterious caller, she talks of Joe DiMaggio, Clark Gable, Arthur Miller, her mentally troubled mother Gladys, revealing a biting intelligence and an imperfect body.

This radical interpretation of one of the world’s most famous women is the fifth original play by Dyad Productions and, although a work of fiction, exposes many truths behind the legend.

It is on at the Astor Theatre, Deal, on Friday, April 10, at 8pm.

Tickets cost £15. Visit theastor.org or call 01304 370220.