What can I say about Why Am I So Single? It’s fabulous, funny, moving and has some cracking songs that you’ll leave London’s Garrick Theatre still singing. No more than you’d expect from the creators of SIX, though this musical couldn’t be more different from their first.
Why Am I So Single? is essentially a love letter to platonic friendships, inspired by the real-life friendship of creators Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow. The pair found massive fame with SIX, a musical written for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival while they were still at university. But it was only after the show had transitioned to the West End that they really got to know each other on a deeper level.
Those conversations led to Why Am I So Single? where lead characters Oliver and Nancy are best friends who have been tasked with, guess what, writing a new musical! A night on the sofa drinking prosecco and discussing their dating disasters seems a good place to start.
Jo Foster shines as non-binary Oliver and I’m not just saying that because Jo is my cousin! Yes, that’s true but their talent is undeniable. Previous parts in shows including ‘And Juliet’ and ‘Legally Blonde’ were an excellent prelim to this leading role on a West End stage. An extraordinary achievement just three years after graduating from ArtsEd performing arts school.
Leesa Tulley as Nancy is also perfectly cast. In some ways Nancy is the ying to Oliver’s yang, believing that a traditional love story is the answer to all her problems, while Oliver’s fear of love leads them to push it away. When Leesa sings power ballad ‘Just in Case’ you can feel the heartbreak of a lost love that she believes she still wants, even though she knows he’s not coming back.
That song aside the first act is packed with funny and fabulous musical numbers that reiterate Marlow and Moss’s songwriting skills. I’ve had an earworm of the title song ‘Why Am I So Single?’ as well as ‘8 Dates’ and ‘C U Never’ since I saw the workshop version of the show at Sadler’s Wells Theatre last year. I won’t spoil Jo’s surprise costume change in ‘Shhh’ suffice it to say it suits them perfectly!
Moi Tran’s set design is also fabulous with cast members taking on the roles of props and furniture including fridges, coat racks and plants. The whole ensemble cast of the show are great and look like they are having the time of their lives. And I’d guess that Ellen Kane, the choreographer and co-director with Moss, also had a lot of fun putting their brilliant moves together.
The shorter second act explores the tension between the friends as they become more vulnerable and reveal buried feelings. Be sure to listen to the lyrics of ‘Disco Ball’ and not let them get swallowed by its glitzy packaging. ‘Lost’ and ‘Better Off Love Story’ are also very moving.
And of course in the end the best friends realise that the love they want and need is right there in front of them. Because who says the traditional path to love is the only one? As someone who values platonic friendships above all else, I didn’t need convincing, but it sure was nice to see it showcased on a West End stage.
You can book tickets for Why Am I So Single? at the Garrick Theatre until 19 January 2025. But I’m certain that won’t be the end for this big fancy musical. There’s already talk of a tour, a Broadway run and a return to London, so watch this space. And keep a close eye on the career of my insanely talented young cousin Jo Foster, because this is only the beginning of their journey.
