Why Am I So Single?
Second Book Syndrome is a real phenomenon! Will the follow-up live up to the hype and expectation generated by the success of the first novel – or in this case musical?
Following on from the award-winning success of Six, writers Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss will have, no doubt, been feeling the pressure with this second project. They can easily breathe a sigh of relief! Why Am I So Single? is a show with energy, humour, heart and soul. It deliberately sets out to tell the less-explored path of platonic rather than romantic relationships, but still manages to reveal the complexities of relationships as a whole, with love underpinning it all. However, this musical introduces us to the special bond between a queer non-binary person and their straight female friend. This is surely a first for the musical theatre genre.
Marlow and Moss make no secret that this is really the story of their friendship. They cleverly weave the writing of their musical into the heart of the storyline, so we have a musical, within a musical. They are mirrored in the brilliant characterisation of Nancy (Leesa Tulley) and Oliver (Jo Foster). If you think their names ring a bell then consider yourself at home!
As with Six, there are many detectable influences of music emerging in the composition, resulting in a fresh sound blend and mix of hip hop, pop, ballad and belters! There are also layers and depth to the story-telling too, exploring the challenges and anxieties of modern-day dating on apps with the reminder to the older audience members that no-one meets in a bar anymore! You agonise over what to put in the first message. You redraft that message. You agonise over whether to send it. You agonise over whether they’ve received it and then agonise awaiting the response! We’re also invited to explore the challenges of coming out as queer, and of unresolved grief. A beautiful touch is how the use of pronouns is normalised throughout with gentle humour. Nancy asks: ‘he or they?’. Oliver checks pulse: ‘It’s they today’.
There is also another sub-plot, that of a love-letter to musical theatre. The two characters’ friendship is sealed over an obsession with the musical Oliver! (don’t forget the exclamation mark!). The show is littered with less-than-subtle references used to great comic effect as you try to spot the next one coming: the agent Fay Gin, the Olive A Twist Café, and a brilliant musical homage to ‘Who will buy?’, taking us to the online dating world of the meat market! Other musicals feature too (the Uber eats order number is 24601!) as well as poking fun at the current quality of theatre on in the West End!
There is much to celebrate in this show. It has great music, tight choreography, clever use of breaking the fourth wall, making us part of their story, and simple staging used to great effect. Most notable is the hilarious use of the very talented ensemble as props. Watching them come on as household plants, fridges and even a pair of curtains is a sign of great design idea.
It has to be said that with unashamed reference to another musical, this is a singular sensation and definitely worth a trip to the Garrick while this show plays. Buy a ticket, settle down and consider yourself at home!
This show was reviewed on the 11th September 2024 at the Garrick Theatre, London where it runs until 13th February 2025. Tickets available here: Why Am I So Single? Musical | Garrick Theatre | August 2024
Review written by Ian Worsfold & Paul Wood
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Photo credit: Danny Kaan
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