AD | Tickets gifted in exchange in honest review.
All opinions are my own.
(Photo Credit: Danny Kaan)
A new musical has hit the West End, from the writers of a little known show called “SIX”. The duo's new musical called ‘Why Am I So Single?’ is described as a “musical extravaganza” and what an extravaganza it is!
Why Am I So Single? follows best friends Oliver and Nancy, who are trying to write a musical, whilst also going through the ups and downs in both of their dating lives, and constantly asking themselves why are they so single? Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, Directed by Lucy Moss and Co-Directed and Choreographed by Ellen Kane, Why Am I Single? brings something different to the West End.
Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, write what I can describe as high-energy musical madness (in a good way ‘obviously’), with dialogue that is funny and full of laugh out loud moments. With quite a few “F” words added in and maybe a little too many for some, but they are used to add comedy and in the right context, with also jokes about well known musicals (especially Oliver!) and jokes about the current West End. Marlow and Moss write brilliantly well together, as we already know, with well written breaking the fourth wall moments and heartfelt moments between the two leads (Leesa Tulley and Jo Foster) which show their true friendship, and these moments do actually turn out quite deep and feel very meaningful. The pair write the show's tone pace well, in the first act we are swiftly told the characters background in dating and what their musical they are writing is about. The first act of the show is full of fun and high energy, and then the show's tone comes down a little in its second act, but don’t worry it doesn’t fully stop the energy from act one as it still comes through, and to me the second act is where the full heart of the piece is truly shown. But overall the writing is current and will be relatable for so many with Marlow and Moss writing exceptionally well, that will make you laugh, smile and maybe even cry from start to finish. The show feels like a letter to their younger selves made into a musical. Marlow and Moss write nothing short of a fun-filled new musical.
The show's score has a mixture of styles all into one, from disco to pop, and hilarious numbers. The whole range of music styles suits the show, and they have already proven popular with fans by the releases of ‘8 Dates’ and ‘Just in Case’, the songs are quite a catch, leaving you wanting to hear them again! The pair writes the show's score and lyrics that are influenced by other musicals, such as Chicago and again Oliver! which again makes the audience laugh when we hear them, and with a few of the songs they really do have that pop song vibe to them and really try and push that sound out from them. The show does have a mixture of songs within it with one minute you have a heartfelt ballad (Just In Case) to an hilarious song about a bee (Interlude in B minor) to then a really lovely friendship duet (No Question) then to a full-out number (involving a Disco Ball maybe…!). All numbers I thought went so well together and just show off the pair's talent again, Marlow and Moss are modern musical theatre geniuses!
Direction by Lucy Moss and Co-Direction by Ellen Kane, the direction delivers sweet moments for Tulley and Foster’s characters that really helps the heartfelt pared-back dialogue between them both, with the direction quickly switching to being quite big and comedic for when songs are shown in flashback form for the characters, both are directed well and really are great to watch.
(Photo Credit: Danny Kaan)
Kane also choreographs the show, Kane’s choreography is excellent from a very clever tap number to high-end extra-energetic numbers that are done tremendously well and are greatly executed. Kane cleverly uses the choreography of this show by using them to show typing messages and sound effects, it was a brilliant use which I really liked.
The show has three main characters (Oliver, Nancy and Artie played by Noah Thomas) with an ensemble playing various roles such as a Bin, a Fridge, an Agent and of course, those many dates, the full cast show their talent throughout.
Jo Foster, plays Oliver, Jo Foster is comedy gold. Foster delivers on every comedic line, which will have you belly laughing (for me at least it did). Foster's character is full of life and Foster carries this characterisation all the way through while also pulling it back when needed within the deeper moments of the show. Foster's vocals are divine and brought to me a wow moment, while providing great chemistry with Tulley. Jo Foster gives a fab performance, you wouldn’t want to miss.
Tulley plays Nancy, Tulley is terrific, through her beautiful vocal delivery and character. Tulley is heartfelt and really finds ways to get Nancy's personality as much as possible over to the audience. Tulley’s performance of the song ‘Just in Case’ is powerful and beautifully done, Tulley is a true talent.
Noah Thomas plays the role of Artie, who is a friend of Nancy and Oliver, Thomas shows Artie as a really good friend to Oliver and Nancy. While Thomas’ character isn’t always on stage Thomas tries to find ways to shine at all times, and when Thomas is on stage he is great to watch.
Why Am I So Single?, is something new and different to the West End, full of comedy, heart and lots of f’s words… It may not be for some, as some of the show's numbers and scenes could have been shorter to create more impact, but I'm sure the show will find its fans and will become something very popular to many. For me I laughed and smiled from start to finish, it’s a fun-packed fancy musical that audiences will relate to.
Why Am I So Single? Could be your next musical obsession!
★★★★
(Photo Credit: Danny Kaan)
Why Am I So Single? plays at the Garrick Theatre until 13th of February 2025
Running time 2h and 30 minutes including interval
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