Why Am I So Single?

‘Why am I so single?’ is the first full length show from writers Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss after their surprise award winning hit Six which was written in their last year at Cambridge University. Whilst a contemporary contemplation of friendship and dating might seem a world away from their previous subject of Henry V111’s wives, it’s still fresh and character driven, with the same sharp wit and even more showstopping numbers.

I had my doubts about the thin plot and metatheatrical conceit as it is literally a musical about two friends writing a musical. Jo Foster and Leesa Tulley are superb as Oliver and Nancy who spend most of the show sitting on a sofa drinking Prosecco, avoiding calls from their agent and wondering why they are so single. They also sing a lot of songs and fill the audience in on the metatheatrical elements regularly so I’m not suggesting this is easy. The rest of the cast play potted plants, rugs and occasionally ensemble humans. I did wonder if this was just going to be a show for Gen Z dripping with irony but lacking substance? But if the first half is witty and frothy and fun, the second half goes for the emotional jugular as our characters' back stories are revealed and they pour their hearts out in song.

Which brings me to the music and it’s clear that Marlow and Moss can write almost anything. The Blend of pop and musical influences, with fearless genre hopping makes for a truly invigorating musical smorgasbord. Highlights include ‘C U Never’ with magical choreography from co-director and choreographer Ellen Kane, which takes an entire café of phone-tapping daters to tap-dancing euphoria. Oliver’s big number ‘Discoball’ will have anyone with a heart sobbing in their seats. Foster is superb throughout, with a seemingly effortless portrayal of this irrepressible character vibrating with life.

Ultimately it’s a simple story about a universal quest for love. What makes it different is the deep exploration of platonic love and friendship with a superb score and a sharp, naturalistic book. One of the friends happens to be non-binary which is only a big thing because its unusual non- binary lead characters you see in the West End. Oliver and Nancy (yes, musical reference) are best friends who laugh and pick each other up when they feel down. And we are invited in to laugh along too until finally we are allowed a glimpse of the pain beneath the pair’s relentless comedy. Anyone who has ever had a friend will recognise this story and with any luck they are sitting next to you as you will definitely want to give them a hug immediately.

Photo credit: Danny Kaan