Wednesday, 11th September 2024 at the Garrick Theatre, London
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewer: Charlotte Dawes
This big fancy new musical navigates the minefield of modern dating by dissecting the age-old question: Why Am I So Single?
The much-anticipated musical from Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss (who also directs), the duo behind cult-favourite SIX, proves lightening can in fact strike twice. On the surface Why Am I So Single? boasts a colourful set with an up-beat, contemporary sound that would delight any theatregoer. Yet it is Marlow and Moss’ ability to maintain this joy while tackling wider societal issues and flawed characters that really creates the magic of this show.
We meet best friends and musical theatre writers, Oliver (Jo Foster) and Nancy (Leesa Tulley) (yes, it’s a deliberate Oliver! reference) as they search for a topic for their next show. As they ponder in Oliver’s flat, the lonely pair recount their dating experiences and challenge one another on their singledom. What follows is a musical theatre mega-mix, showcasing multiple genres from early noughties pop-rock to heart-wrenching power ballads with slick lyrics and multiple earworms – particularly from one of the first big numbers, “8 Dates”.
Moi Tran’s set and Max Johns’ costume designs are a match made in Y2K heaven, with ensemble cast acting as comedy-driven inanimate objects, while sliding set pieces bring dating apps to life. Though it’s Ellen Kane’s masterful choreography (who also acts as co-director alongside Moss), that really brings the piece to life – as a visual image: there is a ‘text message sound’ tap number!
While the entire company brings their A-game, leads Jo Foster and Leesa Tulley are the beating heart of this show. Foster’s portrayal of non-binary Oliver is vulnerable and honest. They particularly shine in “Disco Ball”, a song which masterfully shines a light on the queer dating experience, combining their insane vocal with powerful acting that reinforces the importance of representation.
Tulley likewise captures your heart with her beautiful voice and raw emotions – it is borderline impossible to avoid welling up in “Just In Case”. It also doesn’t go unnoticed that Foster and Tulley use their regional accents while performing, something that Marlow and Moss implemented for the queens in SIX, making the often binary musical theatre world feel more inclusive.
SIX fans call themselves the ‘Queendom’, but it remains to be seen what the inevitable Why Am I So Single? fans decide on. Regardless, it’s clear that you will want to swipe right on Why Am I So Single? You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and then you’ll wait impatiently for the cast recording to drop (fingers crossed!) to listen to the music on repeat.
Why am I so single? Is currently booking until February 2025 at the Garrick Theatre – more information and tickets can be found here.
Always Time For Theatre 