Last Updated on January 16, 2025
A Musical Meta-Adventure
Award-winning duo Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss may be millennials, but their uncanny ability to tap into the pulse of Gen Z, speaking their language through the vibrant lens of musical theatre, is nothing short of brilliant. Best known for their smash hit SIX, the pair have once again struck gold with their latest creation, Why Am I So Single?, which has just opened at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End.
In many ways, Why Am I So Single? embodies the self-referential, ‘meta’ cultural trend that defined the 2000s. It’s a musical about writing a musical – specifically, the one we’re watching – with the two leads playing the writers themselves. The fourth wall is frequently broken, as the characters critique their own actions. Along the way, there are nods to Mamma Mia! and Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as a recurring series of jokes about Oliver! – with the protagonists as big musical fans, humorously adopting the names Nancy and Oliver. The show also taps into other cultural touchstones, with Friends being regularly referenced. However, unlike SIX, this production sometimes feels more like a string of in-jokes than a drama with a cohesive narrative.
Co-directed with plenty of pizazz by Lucy Moss, the show serves as a true platform for its two leads. Jo Foster, who identifies as non-binary, delivers a brilliant performance, capturing Oliver’s sparky charm with effortless ease. Leesa Tulley is equally impressive as best friend Nancy, the character still grappling with her ex. Both actors not only bring depth to their roles but also showcase their exceptional vocal talents, making their performances as compelling musically as they are emotionally. They’re backed by a strong ensemble cast, who are as camp and vivacious as they are fun and delightfully silly, complemented by upbeat choreography from Co-Director Ellen Kane.
Moi Tran’s set design opts for simplicity, with a raised gantry at the back of the stage serving as a home for the band, while neon-lit flats and moveable doorways create a versatile backdrop. The central piece – a sofa, representing Oliver’s flat, anchors the space, while in the opening scene, the ensemble cleverly recreates various household objects, adding a touch of playful creativity to the domestic setting. Max Johns’s vibrant costumes further add to the fun.
The narrative avoids delving into the economic circumstances of best friends Oliver and Nancy – who seem quite comfortable in their individual flats, complete with prosecco in the fridge – and instead focuses entirely on their messy love lives. Set over the course of a single night, the story humorously explores the challenges of relationships and the chaos of modern dating. With witty references to online dating, endless first dates, and the frustration of ghosting, the show feels both timely and relatable. A running gag about the absurdity of meeting someone in a pub playfully underscores how much the dating scene has changed and normalises the experience of being single, while also capturing the emotional elements.
The music and lyrics are razor-sharp, featuring inventive melodic lines and clever wordplay. The score is peppered with nods to noughties culture, often pastiching the era’s biggest hits while seamlessly weaving through a variety of musical styles – from 1930s jazz to modern pop. The eclectic mix feels both nostalgic and fresh, showcasing the duo’s range and wit. The band, led by musical director Chris Ma, is outstanding, providing a vibrant and dynamic backbone to the entire production. This refreshing new production is poised to become a cult hit with Gen Z and beyond. With their finger firmly on the pulse, Marlow and Moss deliver a show that hits all the right notes, proving once again that they can’t put a foot wrong.
Garrick Theatre,
2 Charing Cross Road,
London WC2H 0HH
Until Thursday 13th February 2025
SIX is still showing at The Vaudeville – check our review.
Leave a Reply