Why Am I So Single?
11 September 2024
Garrick Theatre
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
A new Big Fancy Musical is exploding onto the West End, but is Why Am I So Single? all it’s promising to be? Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, co-creators of SIX, this brand new pop musical is all about love, the modern dating scene, and of course friendship.
Long before the show starts, the auditorium is filled with upbeat pop music, for early seat-takers to nod along to, setting the scene for the musical ahead. The prologue, delivered by masked-up ensemble embodying the two main characters Oliver and Nancy, explains that this is a musical about making a musical, but also about the writer’s struggles with dating and relationships. And that is exactly what it is, but it’s also so much more. Gender-fluid Oliver and tragically straight Nancy have been best friends for a long time, but while trying to figure out what their big fancy musical will be about, they examine each other’s dating behaviours. Accompanied by a very diverse ensemble that is bursting with enthusiasm and charisma, it’s a wild ride through the modern dancing scene and the damage late 90s/early 2000s heteronormative romance media wreaked on the expectations of young minds consuming it. All of this is spun into an energetic and hilariously clever examination of modern cliches and dating culture in the time of dating apps.
From a simple but colourful set, some of the furniture being embodied by actors in silly costumes at times, to modern and bright costumes, fantastic lighting work that manages to set the mood for each scene with bold colours, and the live band being visible through large windows at the top of the set, it’s a visual feast to behold. Sparkling and bright, but not overwhelming.
The expositional breaking of the fourth wall works exceedingly well in this script, having the two main characters address the audience to hilariously over-describe what is happening, insert extra info, or just distract themselves to avoid more difficult conversations, it’s a refreshingly light and airy atmosphere without veering too far into interactive territory.
The main characters are well rounded, awkward but charming, with stunning vocal talent that really grips the audience. The self-referencing quippiness and self-deprecating banter don’t detract from the more emotionally touching moments, letting the show run the full spectrum of heartfelt entertainment with a few excitingly weird moments thrown in.
Why Am I So Single? is an effervescent new musical stuffed to the brim with wit and love, full of energy, an absolute party! Get yourself to the Garrick and enjoy this exciting show!
