Review: Single White Female (Play) | UK tour, Glasgow
- Lisa in the theatre
- 38 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Kym Marsh and Lisa Faulkner star in the UK tour stage adaptation of 90s thriller Single White Female. The play has its Scottish premiere in Glasgow this week, playing at the Theatre Royal until Saturday 6 June 2026. Read my review here.
Single White Female ★★★★☆
Review: 02 June 2026 | Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Allie (Lisa Faulkner) is a single mum who has recently moved into a new apartment building with her teenage daughter Bella (Amy Sudden). She's launching a new business with friend Graham (Andro), and money is tight. So Allie advertises for a flatmate who can lodge in her spare room and contribute towards the rent. Hedy (Kym Marsh) seems like the perfect fit, but she seems to be styling herself to look like Allie, and is she growing a little too close to Bella and to Allie's ex-husband Sam (Jonny McGarrity)?
This new world premiere play of the hit 1992 film, which starred Jennifer Jason Leigh and Bridget Fonda, modernises the iconic, disturbing flat-share story for the mobile phone age. In this adaptation by Rebecca Reid, John Lutz's bestselling book is reimagined and updated just enough to introduce the horror of social media. But still present are the obsession, dark humour, and pair of killer stiletto heels that made the film so memorable.
The design for Single White Female on stage has more than a hint of 2:22 A Ghost Story, with its red LED surround, loud jump scares and upbeat rock music interludes that allow for quick scene resets. It's a modern and stylish presentation that works well to frame the set interior of Allie's soulless apartment, and Jason Taylor's lighting design is a highlight throughout.
Just like 2:22, there's an excellent use of props throughout the story, from slamming windows to dodgy electronics, all choreographed to fail and pop just at the right time. It's a slick production from director Morgan Large, which results in a gripping, ambitious and most of all fun night at the theatre.
Lisa Faulkner and Kim Marsh are both excellent in the lead roles.
Faulkner's projection is so beautifully clear and her delivery assured, despite not being on stage for over 21 years. While Marsh is wickedly good as the mischievous, scheming Hedy. It's enthralling to watch the two dance around each other, their verbal sparring provocative, and their timing exquisite. Once Hedy completes her transformation to look just like Allie, it's uncanny how similar the two can appear.
Also strong is Amy Sudden as teenager Bella, who portrays a rebellious, headstrong but naive teenage girl with a skilful mastery. Fantastic casting.
There's a great book at the core of Single White Female, and it has been carefully and intelligently adapted for the stage. The play, while not quite as chilling as the iconic 90s film, is an excellent dark psychological drama that is fresh, absorbing and thoroughly entertaining. ★★★★☆
Single White Female is at Theatre Royal, Glasgow until Sat 6 June and then continues on tour across the UK. Tickets from ATG Tickets at: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/single-white-female/
MORE: Read the full cast announcement for the UK tour of Single White Female here: https://www.lisainthetheatre.com/post/single-white-female-uktour-full-cast
MORE: Also playing in Glasgow this week - the untold story of the world's first black, international footballer and Scotland team captain, The Corinthian. Read my review here: https://www.lisainthetheatre.com/post/the-corinthian-play-review
