Single White Female

This week at Milton Keynes Theatre, the stage adaptation of Single White Female arrives with all the expectation of its cult status, reimagined for a modern audience—and largely delivers an entertaining, if not especially surprising, night at the theatre.

On this particular performance, the absence of Lisa Faulkner could have been a stumbling block, but understudy Anna Reuben steps into the role of Allie with confidence and control. Her performance feels assured rather than tentative, anchoring the show effectively and ensuring the central relationship never loses its tension. Opposite her, Kym Marsh brings a compelling intensity to Hedy, creating a dynamic that steadily becomes more unsettling as the story unfolds.

Adapted for the stage by Rebecca Reid, the production smartly updates the original story into the digital age, weaving in themes of online identity and social media. There’s a particularly relevant thread around teenage bullying and the dangers of trusting people you meet online, adding a contemporary edge to what is otherwise a familiar narrative. It’s a clever touch that gives the story a little more weight, even if the overall plot remains fairly straightforward.

In terms of staging, the production leans into a sleek, stylised aesthetic. The set design, reminiscent of 2:22 A Ghost Story, creates a claustrophobic environment that mirrors the characters’ increasingly tangled lives. Scene changes are punctuated by loud music and bursts of flashing lights, heightening the sense of unease and keeping the pacing brisk. It’s effective, if occasionally a little heavy-handed.

Fans of the original film will recognise the trajectory here—this isn’t a show built on shocking twists, but rather on escalation. The tension simmers rather than explodes, with the drama noticeably ramping up as the interval approaches. From there, it becomes a more heightened, almost melodramatic ride, embracing its thriller roots without trying to reinvent them.

What stands out most is how watchable it all is. The performances are strong across the board, the themes feel current, and the production values keep things visually engaging. While it may not offer the kind of narrative surprises that linger long after the curtain call, it succeeds in doing exactly what it sets out to do: entertain.

For those heading in expecting a gripping but accessible thriller, this is a solid choice. It’s a fun night out—just don’t go in expecting anything too groundbreaking.