Reviewed by Matt Forrest
Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The 1990s was a decade of cultural phenomena—Britpop, Grunge, and “Girl Power.” It also saw Hollywood churning out a wave of erotic psychological thrillers; while many were straight-to-video fare, a select few cracked the mainstream to become cult classics. Chief among them was the 1992 film Single White Female, boasting standout performances from Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh, some notoriously “cringy” dialogue, and a stiletto-based scene that still makes audiences wince over 30 years later.
In 2026, we have a bold stage adaptation currently on a nationwide tour. Written by Rebecca Reid, this reimagining sharpens the story for the digital age, seamlessly weaving social media into the plot and introducing several narrative shifts that work superbly well. Crucially, much like the original film, the production boasts two powerhouse central performances: Kym Marsh and Lisa Faulkner who more than deliver.
Relocated to modern Britain, the story finds single mum Allie (Lisa Faulkner) and her teenage daughter Bella (Amy Snudden) in a crumbling city-centre apartment. While the move places Allie closer to her tech-partner and best friend Graham (Andro), the building has a few structural/maintenance issues and Bella is struggling to adapt to a new school.
Financial pressure peaks when Allie’s ex-husband, Sam (Jonny McGarrity), announces he is halving his child support payments, forcing Allie to advertise for a lodger. Enter Hedy (Kym Marsh), a roommate who initially seems too good to be true: she’s helpful, supportive, and remarkably patient with Bella’s adolescent outbursts. However, the atmosphere quickly sours as Hedy’s “meddling” turns into a dark obsession, systematically targeting Allie and those she loves most.
Kym Marsh is in fine form as the unhinged Hedy; in a role that could easily stray into melodrama, her restraint makes the performance feel chillingly cold and terrifying. Lisa Faulkner is equally impressive as the good-natured Allie; her frustrations are deeply relatable, ensuring the audience roots for her long before things turn ugly.
Andro provides excellent value as Graham, injecting much-needed levity, while Jonny McGarrity is suitably slimy as the arrogant Sam, a character who surprisingly garners more sympathy as the narrative unfolds. Meanwhile, Amy Snudden does a fine job of making the troubled Bella both sympathetic and relatable.
Rebecca Reid’s adaptation makes bold, successful narrative choices. Integrating social media, cyberbullying, and grooming gives the production a contemporary feel, further grounded by topical references to Vinted and Mounjaro. Reid’s significant departures from the original script keep the audience on their toes, while well-placed moments of pitch-black comedy provide a welcome relief to the anxiety.
The tension is ratcheted up by Morgan Large’s set design, which, paired with Max Pappenheim’s unsettling soundscape, creates a palpable sense of claustrophobia within the single-apartment setting.
This is a fresh, entertaining night at the theatre with more than enough surprises to remain engaging throughout. It is certainly one of the strongest screen-to-stage adaptations of recent years. One word of advice: leave the stilettos at home and opt for flats—it’s just a bit safer for all involved.
Single White Female is at the Opera House Manchester till 14th February, tickets are available here.
Opening Night 