Why Am I So Single?
Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Garrick Theatre, London
Cast: Jo Foster, Leesa Tulley, Noah Thomas, Jemima Brown, Josh Butler, Natasha Leaver, Ran Marner, Jamel Matthias, Olivia O'Connor, Joshian Angelo Omana, Natasha Wilde and Rhys Wilkinson

Why Am I So Single? in London is a song-and-dance-infused show that comedically explores modern dating, including the struggle of using dating apps. Through the show, two friends who are perpetually single musical theatre writers procrastinate working on their next show by exploring their dating woes. Their journey is filled with laughter as well as heartfelt moments of friendship.

Written by SIX legends, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the pressure for their latest musical, Why Am I So Single?, must have been all consuming. While we all waited with bated breath for one of the most anticipated musicals of 2024, the show is now officially open at London's Garrick Theatre.

The story follows the journey of best friends Nancy and Oliver as they navigate writing a new show together. While procrastinating on their latest project, they find themselves reminiscing on past loves, their current situations...and just how they ended up so single. Much of the production takes place in Oliver's apartment, on a sofa; two best friends, drinking, chatting...and doom scrolling. While it may sound monotonous for a two and a half hour show, I think the set design by Moi Tran very much adds to the authenticity of the production. And never fear, there are a few surprises in the set design that are just as brilliant as the principal characters themselves...

The soundtrack is overflowing with wordy pop hits that I have no doubt would enter the charts if released on mainstream platforms tomorrow. The show opens with its titular track, "Why Am I So Single?", and proves to be just one of the earworms you'll be humming on the way home. Another standout number is "Meet Market", a song describing the transactional feel of using dating apps which is captured perfectly.

"Disco Ball" (performed by Jo Foster) is a song that feels very similar in nature to All You Wanna Do (Six the Musical). Upbeat, energetic, but soul-crushing in both lyrics and meaning. While others laughed around me, I found it quite difficult to hold back tears at the sheer vulnerability of the number. However, Noah Thomas stole the show with his performance in "C U Never". His tap dancing was an absolute sight to behold.

The leads, Jo Foster and Leesa Tulley, have the most incredible chemistry and their friendship shines through in the most authentic way. With the most brutal honesty, the constant bickering, but pure love at its centre makes for the most gorgeous storytelling duo. And Tulley's vocals paired with Foster's stage presence makes for a match made in heaven. It was refreshing to see a real friendship portrayed on stage, ugly parts and all.

In saying this, it did feel as though act one dragged a little and it felt too long for the subject matter; a slightly more condensed version would have brought the production to an easy 5 stars. One number which didn't land with me as I feel it was intended was "Interlude in B Minor". In an already ridiculous at times show (in the best way), it felt a step too far, and as though it was only there as a transition into the interval.

The production ends with a gorgeous song, "Better Off Love Story", which ended with me and my best friend looking to each other teary-eyed, reminding the audience that platonic love and friendship is very much the heart of the show; the ultimate love story in life. For now. And that's enough.

While it's mostly a ridiculously fun musical, at times it has emotional moments that tug on the heart strings and encourage you to look deeper into yourself and celebrate what you have in life, no matter what that may be. An all-singing, all-dancing, instant modern classic.

You can book tickets to Why Am I So Single?, here.

**photo credit: Danny Kaan**