Marilyn Monroe’s London: A 1956 Itinerary Retraced

Marilyn Monroe’s sole visit to the UK in 1956, a four-month working honeymoon with playwright Arthur Miller, saw her frequently in London. The article details how enthusiasts can retrace her steps, blending historical facts with modern suggestions to relive her iconic moments.

Monroe and Miller arrived at London Airport (now Heathrow) on July 14, 1956, for her film “The Prince and the Showgirl” and his play “A View from the Bridge.” Their arrival was a spectacle, mirrored today by imagining a grand entrance at Heathrow. She was welcomed by Laurence Olivier, her co-star and director, whose statue outside the National Theatre serves as a reminder of their often-strained collaboration, marked by Monroe’s infamous lateness.

Her London itinerary included two dazzling press conferences at the Savoy Hotel in a black dress, bare midriff, and white gloves, where she famously stated, “There’s room in the world for everyone.” While modern visitors can admire the Savoy, lighting a cigarette and waving from the window would likely lead to ejection. Monroe also enjoyed a bike ride, gifted by the Daily Sketch, and lunched at Claridge’s, savouring Scottish salmon and turkey with Miller.

Theatre was a significant part of her visit; she attended Noel Coward’s “South Sea Bubble” and Bertolt Brecht’s “The Caucasian Chalk Circle,” and premiered Miller’s “A View from the Bridge” at the Comedy Theatre, followed by drinks at Quaglino’s. A notable encounter was meeting Queen Elizabeth II at a film premiere at the Empire, Leicester Square, where they reportedly discussed being “neighbours.”

Monroe’s shopping sprees included Regent Street and a memorable stop at Floris perfumery. Intrigued by Queen Elizabeth II’s patronage, she visited the St James’s shop. Three years later, she ordered six bottles of Rose Geranium Toilet Water under a pseudonym, a fragrance still available today, though at a significantly higher price.

Beyond these specific locations, fans can visit a future National Portrait Gallery exhibition, pose with her waxwork at Madame Tussauds, or see a Marilyn impersonator. The article offers a vivid, if sometimes humorous, guide to experiencing London through the eyes of one of its most glamorous, albeit brief, historical visitors.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/features/marilyn-monroe-london-itinerary)