A ST Albans-based theatre company is previewing its new play at the Maltings Arts Theatre next week before its official premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe in August.

Dyad Productions is putting on The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe at the St Albans theatre next Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27.

It is the latest work from the company behind Austen’s Women, Elizabeth, The Diaries of Adam and Eve and Female Gothic, all of which have been touring nationally and internationally,

The Unremarkable Death, written and directed by Elton Townend Jones, has been selected as FringeReview’s New Play Choice at the Assembly Festival in Edinburgh next month.

The play, which looks at Marilyn Monroe as she has never been seen before, alone in her bedroom in dressing gown and slippers, is performed by Lizzie Wort and produced by Rebecca Vaughan.

Marilyn is portrayed with no glitz, glamour or masks. Overdosed on drugs, she reminisces about her life and reveals a biting intelligence, a frustrated talent and an imperfect body.

The stark confessional - which incorporates Di Maggio, Gable, Miller, Hyde and her mother – offers a fresh interpretation of the life of the Hollywood legend leading up to the moment of her death.

Dyad Productions was set up in 2009 with all five productions garnering five-star reviews. It was founded by Elton and Rebecca and the plays have been performed in places as diverse as Adelaide and Kansas City. All five Dyad productions take to the road next year.

Tickets for The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe are available online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo, by phone on 08448 700887 or in person from the St Albans Tourist and Information Centre at the Town Hall.