Michelle Collins Reflects on Welsh Heritage Ahead of Monroe Performance

In a recent interview, Michelle Collins, renowned for her role as Cindy Beale on the iconic British soap opera EastEnders, shared insights into her Welsh heritage and its influence on her upcoming one-woman show, Motorhome Marilyn, premiering at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer. Collins expressed both excitement and trepidation about stepping out of her comfort zone as she prepares to portray an actress captivated by the life of Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe.

Collins, who has not only returned to her role in EastEnders after a 25-year hiatus but has also starred in various stage performances including Calendar Girls and Doctor Who, emphasized the importance of challenging oneself at different stages of life. "When you go off and you do something else that really challenges you, you are really out of your comfort zone," Collins remarked during her conversation with Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales. "It’s really exciting and then you go back to TV and feel re-energized. I think it’s really important, particularly at my age, to feel a bit scared to do something out of our comfort zone."

The actress highlighted her strong familial connections to Wales, particularly through her mother, who hailed from Hopkinstown in Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf. Collins fondly recalled family visits to Wales during her childhood, stating, "My mother was an incredibly strong woman, and I think I’m quite a strong woman, too. All the Welsh women I know are really strong and matriarchal figures."

Motorhome Marilyn, which is inspired by a real-life encounter Collins had with a woman impersonating Monroe in Los Angeles, aims to explore the complexities of identity and obsession. "Life is about timing," Collins noted, reflecting on her dual engagements with EastEnders and the theatre. "It does feel like the stars are kind of aligned."

As she prepares for her role, Collins acknowledges the significance of her Welsh roots in shaping her identity and performance. "It’s important to celebrate where you come from and the strong women who have paved the way for us," she asserted. The significance of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, one of the world’s largest arts festivals, further amplifies the importance of her performance, presenting a platform for new narratives and artistic expression.

In conclusion, Collins’ journey from the streets of Los Angeles to the theater stage at the Edinburgh Festival encapsulates a broader narrative of resilience, heritage, and the pursuit of artistic passion. As she embraces her Welsh lineage, audiences can expect a performance that not only pays homage to Marilyn Monroe but also celebrates the strength of women across generations.