There’s something instantly intriguing about Single White Female. Even if, like me, you’ve never seen the original film, the title alone carries a sense of unease – like a whisper of something not quite right.Â
This stage adaptation takes that familiar psychological thriller and drags it firmly into the modern day, layering in references to social media, online dating, and even Ozempic to keep the story feeling sharp, current, and unexpectedly funny.
But beneath the humour and contemporary nods, this is still a story about obsession, loneliness, and the fragile lines between admiration and identity.
At the heart of the production is Kym Marsh, who delivers a genuinely formidable performance as Hedy. This marks the third time I’ve seen her on stage, following previous performances in 101 Dalmatians and the sensational Abigail’s Party, and each time she proves more convincingly that she belongs there.
Her Hedy is unsettling in all the right ways. One moment she’s emotionally raw and sympathetic, the next she’s quietly menacing, and occasionally she lands a line with surprising comic timing. It’s a performance that constantly keeps you on edge.
Visually, she cuts a striking figure, gliding around the stage in the second act with killer heels that feel almost like part of the character’s armour. And a special mention must go to wig designer Suzy Barrett, whose flawless blonde wig becomes a defining element of Hedy’s transformation in the second half. It’s a subtle but powerful visual shift, and one Marsh clearly revels in.
Lisa Faulkner as Allie
Opposite her, Lisa Faulkner brings warmth and relatability to the role of Allie. She plays her as a soft, slightly overwhelmed mum who’s simply trying to keep everything together. It’s an honest, grounded performance that makes the character easy to root for from the start.
Together, Marsh and Faulkner form a compelling central duo. Their dynamic feels perfectly balanced: light and dark, stability and chaos, trust and suspicion. The tension between them grows naturally, making the psychological stakes feel all the more real.
Amy Snudden as Bella
One of the evening’s biggest performances comes from Amy Snudden as teenage daughter Bella. Surrounded by such recognisable names, it would be easy for a younger performer to fade into the background, but Snudden does quite the opposite.
Her performance is raw, believable, and emotionally sharp. She captures the anger, fear, and vulnerability of teenage life with impressive honesty. Bella feels like someone you personally know – or the teenager you once were. It’s a deeply relatable portrayal, and her chemistry with both Faulkner and Marsh adds an extra emotional layer to the story.
It’s a stellar performance and a real star turn in an already strong cast.
Andro as Graham
Andro, as the heroic best friend Graham, provides much-needed warmth and humour. He’s the friend everyone wishes they had: supportive, funny, and refreshingly modern in his outlook.
His references to dating apps, relationships, and contemporary life help anchor the show firmly in today’s world, while also offering moments of light relief as the tension builds. It’s a charming, relatable performance that gives the audience space to breathe.
Atmosphere, lighting, and sound
While the performances drive the emotional core, the production’s technical elements do much of the psychological heavy lifting.
Lighting plays a huge role in shaping the mood, shifting from warm domestic tones to cold, shadowy blues that signal something darker is approaching. Power cuts, creeping darkness, and sudden shifts in tone make the audience feel as though they’re right inside the flat with the characters.
Sound design works hand-in-hand with this. Modern music bridges scene changes, keeping the pace sharp and ensuring the tension never fully dissipates. Most haunting of all is the recurring lullaby motif, echoing through deep blue lighting. What begins as eerie becomes increasingly sinister, building toward a genuinely disturbing and chilling conclusion.
Final thoughts
This production of Single White Female feels both nostalgic and strikingly contemporary. It honours the bones of the original thriller while updating its world in ways that feel natural, funny, and relevant.
But it’s the performances that truly carry it, particularly Kym Marsh, whose unsettling and emotionally complex Hedy anchors the entire production. Alongside strong turns from Lisa Faulkner and a breakout performance from Amy Snudden, the show delivers a gripping, stylish night at the theatre.
It’s funny, tense, and increasingly dark as the story unfolds – the kind of thriller that keeps you leaning forward in your seat, waiting to see just how far things will go.
Single White Female is at Manchester Opera House until 14 February – book your tickets now.
Kelsey Haslam is the founding editor of Magenta Adventures Travel Publication and a freelance travel writer with a focus on community-based travel, culture-led experiences, and theatre tourism. She is passionate about spotlighting lesser-known destinations and connecting travellers with meaningful, human-centred stories.
Her published work includes destination features and luxury hotel reviews for leading travel outlets such as A Luxury Travel Blog, Beau Monde Traveler, and Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.
Explore more about Kelsey’s background on the About Page.
