Review: WHY AM I SO SINGLE? at The Garrick Theatre

Photo credit: Danny Kaan 

Date: 11th September 2024

Rating: 4 Stars 

There’s a bee, there’s a bee… Yes, ‘Interlude in B Minor’, the act one closer from new musical Why Am I So Single? has been stuck in my head since I saw the show, and no, I’m not mad about it. In fact, it’s great to have something different, funny, fascinating, and chaotic to enjoy – and if that doesn’t sum this show (written by creators of Six, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss) up, I don’t know what does. 

The show is an unapologetic celebration of the chaos that is modern dating and Jo Foster and Leesa Tulley, playing two best friends caught in a never-ending cycle of bad dates and existential questions, bring a warmth and authenticity to the stage that’s both hilarious and touching. They’re not just characters; they’re the friends you’ve confided in after a disastrous Tinder match, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them to find love – or at least some peace – along the way. 

The ensemble is a scene-stealer, quite literally becoming the set – I particularly enjoyed Jemima Brown and Ran Marner as the curtains, and Jamel Matthias as a pot plant was a joy – which was a unique touch that always brought a laugh. This quirky device keeps the show constantly moving, with the cast physically transforming into everyday objects in their chaotic apartment scenes, and it definitely brightened things up. Added to Moi Tran’s vibrant, neon-glowing, candy-coloured set, everything literally and figuratively comes to life. 

But beyond the jokes, Why Am I So Single? has a surprising amount of heart. Songs like "Disco Ball," performed with both ferocity and vulnerability by Jo Foster, reveal the show’s deeper layers, and beneath the jokes about dating apps and bad exes, there’s a genuine exploration of identity and self-worth. As Foster belts about turning into a “disco ball” to protect themselves from the world, it’s impossible not to feel the tug of something real and raw. 

Then there's Leesa Tulley’s heart-wrenching performance in "Lost," where she sings about grief through the metaphor of a missing jumper. It’s an unexpectedly moving moment that stops the laughter in its tracks and reminds the audience that loneliness, in all its forms, can hit hard.

Why Am I So Single? is a riot of colour, comedy, and heartbreak, with a glittering surface that hides a surprisingly deep core – there’s a lot of fabulous stuff going on here when there’s music to help it along, although to be fair, the dialogue scenes were a bit less impressive. The performances were one hundred percent excellent, but it did feel rather expositional (which I know is part of the joke, but it was hammered home a bit much, especially with so much hanging on the fact that the audience would have watched Friends. Since I’m not a fan, I was quite lost).

However, it’s the songs you’re there for, and it's the songs you’ll love. They’re endlessly catchy, and you’ll be humming "Men R Trash" on the way home for sure. Each musical number, whether it’s the disco-flavoured “Meet Market” or the upbeat “8 Dates,” brings something different to the table, keeping the audience on its toes and fully entertained.

Why Am I So Single? isn’t just about love, or the lack thereof. It’s about friendship, about finding joy in the messy bits of life, and about learning that sometimes, being single is exactly where you need to be. Whether you're single, coupled up, or somewhere in between, this show reminds us all that love comes in many forms, and sometimes the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. And honestly, isn’t that the kind of message we could all use right now?

Why Am I So Single? plays at The Garrick Theatre until 13 February 2025, with tickets available here.