Single White Female at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Janine Rumble
Silent White Female is based on the book/film of the same name, which was made famous in the 1990s and starred Briget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Having never watched the film, I did not know the story but thought it might be a stage adaptation of the original film, with characters costumes and the set recreating the 1990s, but no, this is a up to date, modern twist on the film adapted by Rebecca Reid to become the stage play that it is today. Having listened to other patrons as they left the theatre, I believe the premise of the story is the same, with similar characters and a similar storyline, but this is a new modern version with social media and the pressures of modern day life detailed throughout.
The play follows the life of Ali, a newly divorced Mum with a 15 year old daughter. They have had to move into a new apartment following the divorce and are navigating their way through their new lives. It highlights the struggles of all, Allie, usually played by Lisa Faulkner, but was played by Anna Ruben, is struggling with adapting to life after divorce, with money worries, a teenage daughter Bella, played by Amy Snudden, and everything that comes with having a teenager, all whilst trying to launch a new business with her friend Graham, played by Andro. Throw her ex-husband, Sam, played by Jonny McGarrity who has a 22 year old fiancé who is pregnant into the mix as well. Her friend Graham suggests that she take on a room mate to help with the money situation and in steps Hedy played by Kym Marsh, who is also an executive producer of the play, and a gripping psychological drama unfolds before your eyes.
The characters lives begin to unravel as Hedy manipulates everyone and every situation to her own gains, until one fateful night where the truth explodes in a bloody fashion. This gripping drama, although builds slowly, will have you gasping as you realise what is happening and what Hedy is doing. You will be on the edge of your seat, jumping and gasping as the truth about Hedy and who she really is unfolds.
There are very clever flashbacks and little, seemingly innocent little snippets of information dotted throughout the show, which afterwards makes you link everything together and makes you gasp at the audacity and the calculation and the length of the involvement and manipulations.
You get to watch a seemingly normal woman, slowly wheedle her way into their lives and turn them against each other, it makes you want to shake the characters and tell them what is going on, but all you can do is sit and watch it all unfold.
The ending will shock you, but will also leave you with more questions than answers, it really is that gripping.
All of the actors are brilliant, especially Amy Snudden who plays the teenager Bella. She has that part down to a tee. Anna Ruben was seamless as Allie and the chemistry between her and Kym Marsh was great, you would not have known this was not her usual role if you had not been told. Kym Marsh was sly and deceitful as Hedy, portraying her evil manipulations in a cold and calculating way that made you hate the character, Hedy.
I do not want to say too much about the story, as seeing it and feeling the tense atmosphere without prior knowledge is much better.
The set was very simple and remained the same throughout, being the living room and kitchen of Allie and Bella’s apartment with doors leading off to bedrooms. Around the stage were a series of lights that changed and flashed to great effect, helping to show the changes in times and flashbacks.
I would recommend going to see this if you like a good psychological drama, something that makes you jump and makes you think. I give it 4/5.
Rating: 4/5
Single White Female is on a Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 25th April. Tickets can be purchased at the theatre box office or online at: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/single-white-female/milton-keynes-theatre/ Tickets are priced from £26.00.
Photo Credits: Chris Bishop