Why Am I So Single is the most highly anticipated show of the year. With huge ‘second album pressure’ on creatives Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, they’ve got a lot to prove following the international success of SIX.
Fortunately, their second creation is a witty and fresh new musical that brings laughter and charm, though it falls just shy of being fully captivating across its entire runtime. Co-created by the same brilliant duo behind Six, the show shines brightest through its clever songwriting and dynamic choreography, with standout performances from Jo Foster and Leesa Tulley.
We watch the pair sit in their living room, watching Netflix and drinking an endless supply of prosecco. It feels somewhat autobiographical with the pair needing to find a topic to write their next musical about. The fourth wall is regularly broken from the off, drawing you further into feeling like you’re on the sofa with them.
The songwriting by Marlow and Moss is a true highlight, packed with sharp humour, inventive lyrics, and catchy melodies. The pair have an undeniable gift for modern musical theatre, managing to make songs feel both contemporary and relatable, while also clever enough to be memorable. Tracks like “C U Never” and “Discoball” stand out but the whole soundtrack delivers just the right amount of comedic bite, blending pop sensibilities with witty storytelling. While some songs may feel slightly repetitive in theme, there’s no denying the musical talent behind each number. As soon as the cast album is out I’ll be adding it immediately to my playlist.
Another standout feature is Ellen Kane's high-energy choreography, which keeps the stage alive even in moments when the narrative falters. Kane’s work is fluid and dynamic, giving the ensemble moments to shine and enhancing the humour and emotion of the scenes. Whether it's a frenetic Tinder-inspired dance sequence or a slow-motion breakup moment, the choreography never fails to entertain. Kane’s work ensures that the show has a constant energy, helping to fill the gaps where the plot doesn’t quite deliver.
In terms of performances, Jo Foster and Leesa Tulley are a joy to watch. Foster, playing the perpetually single, yet optimistic protagonist, brings a quirky charm and impeccable comedic timing to the role. Her ability to balance humour with vulnerability makes her performance the heart of the show. Tulley, as the sarcastic best friend, provides the perfect counterbalance, delivering some of the show’s most cutting lines with precision and flair. Their chemistry on stage is undeniable, and they make even the thinner parts of the story enjoyable. They are supported by an incredible ensemble who throw themselves into every role, even curtains, fridges, coat hooks and more inanimate objects from the flat.
However, while the humour and music land, the plot itself feels a bit stretched to fill the two-and-a-half-hour runtime. The central premise—exploring the trials of being single in a modern world—while amusing, lacks the depth and variety needed to sustain the longer running time. As a result, some scenes feel padded or repetitive, and the show occasionally loses momentum.
With the terrifying second album out the way, I cannot wait to see what is next for Marlow and Moss.
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