Review: Single White Female at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

★★★★

A play based on the 90s psychological thriller of the same name, Single White Female is a world premiere stage production offering a modern take on the bestselling book (SWF Seeks Same by John Lutz) and hit movie.

The plot of the show follows the main premise of the original film with the mysterious Hedy moving into the home of Allie, and slowly worming her way deeper into her life with violent repercussions. This adaptation by Rebecca Reid, directed by Gordon Greenberg, however, offers an update on the original material, bringing it into the modern era in a digital age of social media, gaslighting and catfishing. What’s more, in this version of the story, Allie also has a teenage daughter, Bella; a change which intensifies the story, and allows for an exploration of motherhood, and the difficulties of being a teenager in the 21^st century.

The newly updated story reimagines Allie as “a recently divorced mum, balancing being a single parent with the launch of her tech start up. When she decides to advertise for a lodger to help make ends meet, the delightful Hedy offers her a lifeline. But as their lives intertwine, boundaries blur, and a seemingly perfect arrangement begins to unravel.”

Starring Kym Marsh (Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Abigail’s Party) as Hedy and Lisa Faulkner (Holby City, Murder In Suburbia, John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen) as Allie, Single White Female remains, at its beating heart, the dark and twisted tale of deception, secrets, violence, and danger that audiences will expect. They are joined in this five-person ensemble cast by Andro as Graham, Jonny McGarrity as Sam, and Amy Snudden as Bella.

A gripping production, Single White Female builds much of its suspense in the first act with foreshadowing, bursts of discomfort and pulsing tension. It is in the second act though that the pace really picks up, culminating in the dramatically choregraphed and bloody clash (Kaitlin Howard).

Marsh is a captivating stand-out, playing the unhinged and obsessive Hedy with a brilliantly menacing power, drawing audiences in to the emotional manipulation and deceit that underpins the script. The character Graham, updated in this production as Allie’s gay best friend, played by Andro brings much of the humour of the piece, juxtaposing it steadily alongside the darkness. While Amy Snudden as Bella perfectly embodies the complex state of adolescence, bringing with her ripples of fear that echo through the play.

Single White Female is a production of stiletto-sharp dark humour and suspense that balances on a knife edge. An update on a classic, Rebecca Reid’s adaptation brings this tale of insecurity, dark desires and paranoia into the contemporary world.

Single White Female plays at The Alexandra, Birmingham until Saturday 9th May. The play also runs at Regent Theatre, Stoke 26^th-30^th May 2026.

This review was written following a press invite to the production.

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