This slow-burning thriller based on the 1990’s film and book by John Lutz makes for enthralling viewing.
Having never seen the film or read the book, I wasn’t sure what to expect from ‘Single White Female’ – but Rebecca Reid’s adaptation directed by Gordon Greenberg is a thrilling and immensely engaging watch.
The story begins with Allie (Lisa Faulkner) moving into a new apartment in the wake of her divorce along with her daughter Bella (Amy Snudden). But struggles with affording the apartment means that she has to look for a flatmate to share the burden, she soon invites Hedy (Kim Marsh) to live with them. While initially charming and helpful, it doesn’t take long before Hedy unleashes a darker side.
It is full credit to Rebecca Reid’s adaptation and Gordon Greenberg’s direction that the story unfolds with great subtlety yet it knows exactly the right places to crank up the tension. In addition, it is a really interesting touch to ensure that the audience does feel a flash of sympathy for Hedy due to certain events in her past that are uncovered.
This is very much a female centred story, with its themes of obsession, grief and mother & daughter relationships covered beautifully throughout. The characters have been well formed, particularly Allie and Hedy, capturing the contrasts between them beautifully as well the increasing tension that packs a powerful punch particularly in the second act.
Some might find the slow-build up to the first sign that all is not well a little bit frustrating, but I do encourage those going along to stick with it because actually it is the way in which Hedy gradually tries to take over Allie’s life – first by integrating herself with Bella and then manipulates her to her will to then to her attempts to seduce Allie’s ex-husband Sam is fascinating to watch from a psychological point of view. The second act is rich and dramatic and it does keep you guessing right to the very end as to how it is all going to play out.
Perhaps it could be said that a little more depth could have been given to Hedy’s backstory which particularly fascinated me – just how lost she was in her grief that she is that causes her to go down the route that she does leaves plenty of questions that you would love answering.
Every moment is pin point focused and is enhanced even further by Max Pappenheim’s sound design that has an edgy feel to it that builds up to a thrilling crescendo as the drama reaches is peak. Morgan Large’s designs are cool and effective as the story unfolds.
But it is the performances that really bring the story to electrifying life. Kym Marsh as Hedy is particularly powerful in capturing the many different sides to the character: manipulative, charismatic and flirtatious as well as the dangerous aspects to the character as well. The second act sees Marsh explode impressively and in a way that means you can’t take your eyes off her.
In contrast, Lisa Faulkner as Allie captures the character’s transformation from vulnerable, despairing mother to something with a little more strength – although the ending leaves you wondering what is next for the character and her daughter Bella. Amy Snudden as Bella is wonderfully petulant and shows great conflict that the character undergoes in the way she is desperate to fit in at the school her parents chose for her highlighting the problems of social media on young minds that sees her going to drastic action.
Jonny McGarrity as Sam and Andro as Graham round out the cast to act as solid foils for the female characters around them to ensure that the story plays out as it should.
Overall, Single White Female is an enthralling and gripping experience that makes sure that the audience is left guessing right until the final second.
By Emma Clarendon
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Single White Femal continues to play at the New Victoria Theatre until the 7th March before continuing to tour.