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Adapting films from the 80s and 90s for the stage is becoming increasingly popular, from Heathers to The Devil Wears Prada. In doing so, audiences are often reminded just how much the world has changed in a relatively short space of time. The latest to receive the theatre treatment is Single White Female, now reimagined for a social media age in a sleek and sinister production at the Regent Theatre.
Much like 2:22 A Ghost Story, this adaptation leans heavily into atmosphere, tension and psychological discomfort, with the baby cries that open the show immediately setting an innately unsettled tone for the evening.
For those unfamiliar with the film and its plot, it sees the recently divorced Allie attempting to juggle being the parent of a teen with the launch of her tech start up. She decides to advertise for a lodger to help make ends meet, and soon welcomes Hedy into her home.
Kym Marsh delivers a standout performance as Hedy. She’s complimentary, helpful and plays the role of the listening ear particularly well. But there’s also a much darker side to Hedy, one that manipulates, stirs the pot and acts with an unpredictability that becomes increasingly unnerving as the story of her obsession unfolds.
Anna Ruben’s Allie has got a lot going on, and she does a wonderful job of portraying a stressed mum trying her best not to let everything get on top of her. Naive and vulnerable, she fails to see the red flags Hedy waves as she hones in on her prey.
Amy Snudden steals several scenes as Bella, perfectly capturing the huffy, angsty teenage phase. She’s nailed the Gen-Z attitude, with the script weaving in plenty of references to matcha lattes, Snapchat and Influencer-loved ramen spots.
Graham, played by Andro, benefits from some of the scripts best one liners, bringing a much-needed lightness to some of the darker themes of the show, while Jonny McGarrity plays the charming but deeply flawed Sam to a tee.
Clever foreshadowing provides a lingering sense that something isn’t quite right – and the production cleverly allows that dread to simmer throughout. Just as scenes begin to lull the audience into a momentary sense of comfort, they’re hit with a blackout and blasts of rock tracks from the likes of Limp Bizkit and Olivia Rodrigo, making it intentionally impossible to ever fully relax.
Running until Saturday, May 30, Single White Female is a clever modern twist on the 90s cult classic, complete with dark humour and stiletto-sharp suspense. Buy tickets for The Regent Theatre here.
