Review - Single White Female

Based on the memorable 90s psychological thriller, Single White Female makes its world premiere on stage in a modern reimagining that feels both nostalgic and sharply contemporary.

Adapted by Rebecca Reid and directed by Gordon Greenberg, this production updates the familiar story for the age of social media, exploring themes of loneliness, identity, and obsession. The result is a gripping, if at times slightly bonkers, theatrical experience that leans into its own hyperbole while keeping audiences firmly on edge.

The story follows Allie, a recently divorced single mother juggling parenthood with the pressures of launching a tech start-up. When she takes in lodger Hedy, what begins as a lifeline quickly spirals into something much darker. As boundaries blur and tensions rise, the production builds a sense of unease that steadily intensifies.

Starring Kym Marsh and Lisa Faulkner, it’s refreshing to see two women leading a show of this scale. Both deliver compelling performances, anchoring the drama even as it veers into more heightened, dramatic territory.

Visually, the production stands out. The modern set design creates a sleek, stylised environment that perfectly complements the play’s contemporary tone, enhancing the sense of intimacy and tension throughout. The overall aesthetic adds to the unsettling atmosphere, drawing the audience deeper into the characters’ unraveling lives.

While the play occasionally tips into the exaggerated, it never loses its grip. There’s a dark humour running beneath the surface, and the suspense is undeniably effective, keeping you hooked right through to the end.

Single White Female is currently playing at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 9 May.