DID I SWIPE RIGHT ON WHY AM I SO SINGLE?

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

Why Am I So Single? No, I’m not asking you to judge me and answer that. I’m referring to the newest addition to the West End, Why Am I So Single?, from the talented minds of Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. Following the smash success of Six The Musical, expectations were high for their newest project. And whilst it may not have hit the same cultural high note, the show is still bursting with charm, energy, and wit.

The two leads, Jo Foster and Leesa Tulley, really shine. They portray the emotional ups and downs of dating with both humour and vulnerability. What impressed me most was how they maintained such rich emotional performances even in the background of scenes. They kept the audience connected to their story, even when the spotlight wasn’t directly on them.

The cast are absolute powerhouses, with each performer bringing immense talent to the stage. From the first song to the final number, their energy and passion is obvious and non-stop. The dance routines are especially worth mentioning, so full of life that is impossible not to get caught up in their rhythm. The songs hit all the right notes, with my personal favourite being 8 Dates, although I was already obsessed after hearing it on Instagram.

I was surprised by the decision they made for the finale number. I expected a big, rousing number to end the night, but instead they went for an emotional, heartfelt song. Now don’t get me wrong, I appreciated the sentiment, and the delivery was fantastic. But I was left wishing for more and would have loved to have an explosive ending. I was expecting a song that matched the high energy set throughout the majority of the show.

One of the standout creative choices in Why Am I So Single? is the use of the ensemble as parts of the set. At first, I was surprised to see the cast transform into furniture and scenery. But it was an innovative choice, and you couldn’t help but laugh at the cleverness of these transitions. The way they interacted with the leads added an extra layer of comedy to an already funny script.

However, I do feel there is a slight catch with the show’s appeal. Why Am I So Single? has boxed itself in when it comes to target audience. The script is littered with references to pop culture staples Friends and Oliver Twist. Whilst these moments worked for me, having seen both, I can see how they could go over people’s heads not familiar with them. There’s a potential for a generational divide that risks alienating part of the crowd.

In terms of the storyline, I liked the simplicity of two friends sitting at home, trashing their bad dates over takeaway and wine. We’ve all been there, right?! But there were moments where the plot felt a little thin. Some songs and scenes, though fun, felt more like filler than essential content. I couldn’t help but feel that with a bit more narrative depth, the show could have reached greater heights.

Overall, Why Am I So Single? is an enjoyable night out, largely in thanks to the incredible cast. It’s hard not to compare it to Six The Musical, and that’s where the challenge lies. After the monumental success of their previous work, this show feels slightly held back by the weight of that success. But judged on its own merits, Why Am I So Single? is a fun and emotional ride that’s worth seeing.

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