Why Am I So Single? Review

Reviewed Lauren Maxwell
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review

This catchy brand-new musical, from the writers of Tony Award winning SIX, is a witty and relatable dive into the world of dating and an authentic story of two best friends. 

Photo by Danny Kaan.

Taking their agents advice ‘Write what you know!’ Oliver (Jo Foster) and Nancy (Leesa Tulley) are trying to find the plot to their new ‘big fancy musical’. We soon realise it is this very musical and our dynamic duo are actually the creators of Why Am I So Single?; Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss (very meta I know).

The high energy opening number ‘Why Am I So Single?’ is punchy and has us giggling with its sassy and smart lyrics. Laughing out loud and goosebumps all over is something you can expect throughout the impressively written soundtrack. 

During Oliver’s first solo ‘8 Dates’ Jo Foster’s triple threat qualities shine, as does the sharp and spellbinding choreography from Ellen Kane. This sets the bar high for the rest of the show, however songs like ‘Meat Market’, highlighting the state of dating apps, and ‘I got off the plane’, where they blame the bingeworthy series ‘Friends’ for their bad love habits, didn’t reach that same bar.

The colourful set, designed by Moi Tran, brings a cartoon style to the comedy with a big boxy sofa and large bright screens for dating profiles. The ensemble personifying household objects and furniture, such as a fridge that reads ‘Live, Love, Sob’, an overly excited and slightly horny coat hanger, and very happy, loyal, rubbish bin, gives a modern edge to the story and fuels most of the physical comedy.

Jo Foster and Leesa Tulley. Photo by Danny Kaan.

This fun and silly tone, plus the geeky musical theatre puns and audience winks, are a respite from the themes of grief and self-hatred that begin to show as Oliver and Nancy’s layers peel away. The real reasons they are unlucky in love. In Nancy’s solo ‘Just in case’ Tulley’s voice is full of emotion and unwaveringly powerful, effortlessly nailing difficult riffs and soaring high notes - bringing us to tears with her performance.

The musical is well cast, and it is refreshing to see two regional accents take the lead in a promising musical. The pair complement each other perfectly and their connection is natural, relaxed and genuine. Kudos to the creators, who’s real life friendship; Toby being non-binary and Lucy being a woman, is portrayed accurately and openly. Never over played or understated. 

The only other named character is Artie, played by the brilliant Noah Thomas, who brings main character energy with all the grace and generosity of a performer in an ensemble. His tap-dancing duet with Nancy ‘C U Never’, is a wonderful addition to the narrative and certainly a musical highlight. Outstanding performances to note; Jamal Matthias who hit every mark of choreography, and Joshian Angelo Omana whose physical comedy was spot on. A special mention to, west end debut performer, Olivia O’Connor for her commitment to character and gold comic timing.

Parts of the text is cheesy but it’s like extra cheese on a margarita, predictable and satisfying. However, this pizza took too long to eat and after the interval lost its taste slightly. But that didn’t stop me from bopping along to the upbeat melody of ‘Men are trash’, and welling up at the heartfelt ending we were anticipating. 
 
Why Am I So Single? is a gen-z episode of ‘Friends’ full of quick wit and a foreseeable plot, however the down to earth characters, and catchy songs makes for a bingeworthy musical episode at that. It isn’t as revolutionary as SIX, but is a heartfelt, fun, and sexy (as Oliver would say) show by apassionate pair of writers still finding their feet after previous success on the Westend.
 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Why Am I So Single? plays at London’s Garrick Theatre and is currently booking until 13th February 2025. https://whyamisosingle.com/

Photo by Danny Kaan