Single White Female
- leejamesscriven
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Rebecca Reid’s stage adaptation of the 1992 film cult classic arrived at MK Theatre this week. Updated for the modern millennial world, it provides the audience with an enjoyable and engaging production full of suspense.
Single White Female tells the story of Allie, a software designer. Recently divorced, she’s busy trying to start a new life with a new business and is struggling to pay her bills. She decides to take in a roommate and quickly chooses Hedy.
The two women connect initially, but over time, some of Hedy’s actions seem a little unusual. Tensions and suspicions build up as Allie starts to realise Hedy might not be the perfect roommate she first appeared to be.
Sadly, no Lisa Faulkner for tonight’s performance, but her understudy (Anna Ruben) was superb throughout the play. Her timing, tone and genuine expressions were spot on, especially when paired with her vegan gay best friend called Graham (Andro).
Add the brilliant Kym Marsh, who carried the show from start to finish as Hedy. Forever hiding a calculated cunning plan beneath her cheesy curling charm, she takes personal joy distorting the truth for her own personal gain.
The excellent father Sam (Jonny McGarrity) gave the play gravitas plus the tenacious teenage daughter Bella (Amy Snudden) was brilliant and provided most of the play’s comical moments.
The set design by Morgan Large is simple yet very effective. Plus, a big shout goes to the sound designer Max Pappenheim. His skill on providing an atmospheric ambient soundscape was key to the production’s enjoyment.
The lighting design by Jason Taylor is similarly impactful, with clever contrasts between light and shadow that amplify the emotional and psychological tension.
The credible cast ensured the production possessed great tempo and collectively raised tensions for the somewhat bizarre but befitting ending.
To sum up: Single White Female is a psycho thriller!
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