Review: WHY AM I SO SINGLE?, Garrick Theatre
Photo credit: Danny Kaan
Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss had a tough act to follow after the unprecedented success of their debut, SIX The Musical. However, with their new offering, Why Am I So Single?, they have well and truly risen to the challenge and delivered another stellar show that will have Gen Z and Millennials rushing to the Garrick Theatre.
We follow Oliver and Nancy, who completely coincidentally share their names with the main characters of Oliver!, best friends who are working on a big fancy musical. As they navigate the trials and tribulations of the modern dating world, they decide to try and figure out why they are so single, with mixed degrees of success. This is a story about love, romance and acceptance but chiefly, it is about friendship and the bonds that bring and keep us together.
Lucy Moss’ direction wonderfully meshes naturalism with maximalism, demonstrated by the big fancy musical numbers such as the incredibly catchy titular number ‘Why Am I So Single’ and the glitzy ‘Disco Ball’. Musicals frequently rely on a few big hitting numbers to carry the show but every song of Moss and Marlow’s upbeat pop-rock soundtrack, from ballad to boogie, has its place. They are masters of musical storytelling and the songs are packed full of emotion as they tackle issues such as grief, being non-binary and growing up queer. The use of exposition within the script dampens any of the elements that could be considered cheesy or preachy and makes the show even more engaging. This is a story about the woes of being single but also simply about the realities and challenges of being young. The show is achingly relatable while also being incredibly funny and witty. Cultural and musical theatre references are drawn on for maximum effect. ‘I Got Off the Plane’, which ridicules and pays homage to the classic sitcom Friends, is a stand out.
Why Am I So Single? is led by Leesa Tulley (Nancy) and Joe Foster (Oliver) who ooze charisma and star quality. They are two of only three named characters so are very much centre stage throughout. They both give magnetic performances as their characters tackle a rollercoaster of emotions. Tulley is utterly heartbreaking as she belts out ‘Just in Case’ and Foster is showstopping during ‘8 Dates’. Noah Thomas plays Artie, the leads’ pragmatic best friend. He provides necessary realism for the delusional duo, complete with hilarious and endearing dry humour.
They are joined by an outstanding ensemble, many whom are making their professional or West End debut. They jump from tap dancing to farcically playing the soft furnishings of Oliver’s flat and a fridge full of prosecco with ease and an insane amount of energy. The choreography by Ellen Kane (also co-director) is sensationally slick. It is full of fantastic formations and dynamic, exuberant moves to match the youth of the cast.
The costumes designed by Max Johns are peppered with heart motifs. They are bright and colourful, and allow the ensemble to transform into a multitude of roles. Moi Tran’s set is relatively simple, presenting as Oliver’s flat for the majority of the show but cleverly, the windows and doors whizz around the stage to serve as frames for Tinder profiles. This is accompanied by the magnificent band who provide a brilliantly full sound at just the right level to allow every line of the fantastically fun musical numbers to be heard. The lives of our leads may be messy but this relatable show must be one of the most polished new musicals we have ever seen.
Why Am I So Single? is a wonderfully wholesome and heartwarming show that is sure bring a smile to your face whatever your dating status!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Luck
Why Am I So Single? is currently booking at London’s Garrick Theatre until 13 February 2025, with tickets available here.
