I have been looking forward to seeing this stage show since first hearing about it. As an 80s child, the 90s film thriller of the same name was a huge favourite of mine. I must have watched it over 20 times, so I was excited to see how Rebecca Reid would transform this psychological thriller into something that could work on stage.
Allie (Lisa Faulkner), a divorced mum, has moved into a flat with her daughter Bella (Amy Snudden), in the same building as her friend Graham (Andro). The two are launching a new tech business – Allie the coder, Graham the marketeer. With her ex-husband Sam (Jonny McGarrity) now expecting a baby with his new partner (and her finances taking a hit), Allie decides to take in a lodger to help with rent. Enter Hedy (Kym Marsh), who responds to the ad – and at first, seems like the perfect fit. But it doesn’t take long before things start to feel… off.
Rebecca Reid has brought the story firmly into the present day. There are nods to social media, dating apps, Vinted, even Ozempic – little touches that get a few laughs from the audience. But underneath that, the tension builds steadily.
What really worked for me was the staging. The set remains the same throughout, which actually adds to the claustrophobic feel of the whole piece. You’re stuck in that flat with them, watching everything unfold in real time, and it makes the shift from normal to unsettling feel even more intense.
The use of lighting and sound is where the production really leans into the psychological side. Flashing lights, darkness and sharp bursts of music are used to mirror the characters’ mental states, and at times it genuinely feels quite uncomfortable – in a good way. It keeps you on edge without overdoing it.
Performance-wise, the five cast members are superb. Kym Marsh manages to balance vulnerability with something much darker underneath, which keeps you questioning her right up until the end. Lisa Faulkner brings a grounded, believable energy to Allie, which helps anchor the story as things spiral. Amy Snudden as Bella brings a natural warmth to the role, and her scenes add a bit of lightness – which makes the darker moments feel even more unsettling. Jonny McGarrity as Sam does a great job of portraying that slightly frustrating, all-too-real ex dynamic. You don’t see loads of him, but his presence adds to the pressure Allie is under. And Andro as Graham brings some welcome energy to the production.
A modern, claustrophobic take on a cult classic that proves just how effective simple staging and strong performances can be. Unsettling, tense and completely absorbing. It gets a solid 4 stars from me and on leaving the auditorium we heard a man tell his partner “…that’s the best thing we’ve watched there..”
So, should you book tickets to see this production? I’d say a huge yes.
See Single White Female at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until May 9th 2026. Book tickets here: https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/whats-on/
Disclaimer: My review was written from a press night performance.