Based on the iconic 90s psychological thriller (which I haven’t actually seen), the world premiere stage production of Single White Female has landed in Brighton!
From the producer behind the hit stage adaptation of The Girl on the Train, a show I’ve seen multiple times and loved, comes this tense new drama.
Allie is a recently divorced mother trying to juggle the demands of single parenthood while launching her own tech start-up. To ease the financial strain, she decides to take in a lodger and that’s when Hedy enters the picture. At first, Hedy seems like the perfect solution, warm, helpful, and eager to fit in. But as the two women’s lives become increasingly entwined, the lines between friendship and obsession start to blur, and what begins as a lifeline soon spirals into something far more dangerous.
The cast is small, with just five actors, and the entire story unfolds within Allie’s apartment. This fixed setting creates an intimate, claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors the psychological tension at the heart of the plot.
Kym Marsh takes on the role of Hedy, yes, that Kym Marsh from Hear’Say! And let me tell you, she was absolutely fantastic. In fact, maybe a little too good. Her performance was chillingly convincing, bringing an unsettling edge to the character that had me squirming in my seat. The way she prowls around the apartment, always just a little too close for comfort, really put me on edge. It’s the kind of portrayal that makes you question every smile and every glance.
Lisa Faulkner plays Allie, and I think it’s a great fit. She brings a natural warmth and positivity to the character, always smiling, always upbeat, which makes her completely believable as someone who wouldn’t suspect a thing. That contrast between her and Hedy works brilliantly. While Allie remains oblivious to the subtle, controlling behaviour creeping in, the tension between the two characters becomes even more striking.
Allie’s daughter Bella is played by Amy Snudden, and a lot of the story revolves around her. She’s present in some pivotal moments, and Amy absolutely nails the role of the spoiled private school teenager. Her performance had the audience gasping at some of Bella’s actions, she really brought that bratty, entitled energy to life.
Allie’s friend, colleague, and neighbour Graham (played by Andro) adds an interesting dynamic to the mix and ultimately gets caught up in the final showdown, which makes for a tense and dramatic conclusion. Bella’s dad and Allie’s ex-husband, Sam, is portrayed by Jonny McGarrity. While his role is smaller, it’s essential to the story and helps flesh out the family drama that underpins the psychological tension.
I’m not sure if it was intentional, but there were definitely moments that the audience found quite funny. It did get a little far-fetched in places, but honestly, I’m here for it! Those over-the-top moments might have been what sparked the laughter, and they added a bit of unexpected lightness to the tension.
One thing I was curious about was the setting. The apartment looks like it’s in a skyscraper, Graham (the neighbour) is American, so is it meant to be New York? London? Somewhere else entirely? Then Hedy is from Yorkshire, which only added to my confusion. It didn’t affect my enjoyment of the show at all, but I couldn’t help wondering where this story was supposed to take place.
The staging was fantastic! Early on, we learn that Allie’s apartment is riddled with problems, power cuts, loud lift noises, and these quirks continue throughout the show, adding a constant sense of unease that works brilliantly. The use of sound and music really amplified the fear factor too. Scene transitions were particularly striking, the stage would go pitch black, neon lights outlining the set would glow, and music (including some great tracks!) would play as the next scene began. I loved these transitions, they gave the production a slick, cinematic feel and kept the tension high.
Single White Female is playing at Theatre Royal Brighton until Saturday, 17th January 2026. Performances are at 7:30pm, with matinees at 2:30pm on Thursday and Saturday. Don’t miss your chance to experience this gripping psychological thriller live on stage, secure your tickets now before they disappear… just like trust in this chilling tale!