"Single White Female"

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

This is a new stage play, adapted by author, journalist and broadcaster, Rebecca Reid and is a social media infused reimagining of the 1992 movie of the same name and book by John Lutz. Adapted for the stage by Rebecca Reid.

Recently divorced Allie advertises for a flatmate to help manage single parenthood as well as the new apartment that she and her teenage daughter have just moved into, while launching her tech startup. When the seemingly perfect lodger Hedy arrives, their lives become increasingly intertwined, and the arrangement begins to unravel in unexpected ways, as Allie discovers that Hedy is not the stranger that she first appears, and they have more in common than first appears!

Allie is played by Lisa Faulkner, who returns to the stage after far too many years, and is someone whose talented fingers are in many pies, quite literally, as she has carved out quite a career as a TV cook, writer, presenter and winner of "Celebrity Masterchef", as well as being a very successful actress. There are some brilliant mood explosions as she discovers that Hedy is becoming just a little too involved in her life, and I really enjoyed the way that she was drawn to a full stop when little things that Hedy dropped into their conversation, but then carried on; all due probably to the speed that her working and personal life was escalating at. Brilliantly played out by Lisa throughout this spine tingling thriller.

Hedy is played by Kym Marsh. It's no secret that I have been a fan of Kym's from her early pop music days, and that is no hearsay. She went on to be a regular in "Coronation Street" playing Michelle Connor, won several awards for her TV work and is currently in "Waterloo Road". Kym is no stranger to playing slightly unhinged characters on stage either as she has played Cruella de Vil as well as Alex Forest in "Fatal Attraction", so playing Hedy is a walk in the park. 

You know when you're watching TV and you feel like shouting at the screen, well that's how I felt about some of the things that Kym brought to the stage. Every muscle in my body tightened while watching Kym and Lisa on stage because of the intensity of the action and intentions of the actions. The final scenes from Kym became quite the scare fest as Hedy's behaviour spiralled completely out of control. This performance brought back memories of "Fatal Attraction" from four years ago, thinking of twisted psychopathic women.

Graham is played by Andro, who I know better as being part of a brilliant soul band called Jungle, but has recently turned to acting and already has a sizeable acting resume to his name. Graham is Allie's supportive, gay best friend and business partner. He provides comic relief and a connection to the outside world as Allie's life unravels with her obsessive roommate. Look out for some excellent make up on Andro in the final scenes!

Jonny McGarrity plays Sam, the ex-boyfriend whose messy breakup prompts Allie to find a roommate. Your feelings towards this character do a complete U Turn when you discover what his fate is, which is a sign of a brilliant actor to make your feelings and attitude change on a sixpence. His morals may be questionable but his ending is definitely a sight for sore eyes!

Amy Snudden plays Bella, Allie's vulnerable 15 year old daughter. She is a character created for the stage play and does not appear in the original film. She is an important addition as it allows the story to be brought up to date with the inclusion of everything to do with identity and obsession within social media. She has just moved to a new school, where she is being bullied for not fitting in, but there's a lot more to this sideline story than meets the eye, as we discover right at the very end of the play. Another excellent performance and Amy delivers a bratty and spoilt teenager persona, but as I said, there's a lot more to this teenager than first meets the eye! The twist at the end brings into mind nature Vs nurture, as well as another train of thought, but I'll leave that for you to decide.

Directed by Gordon Greenberg, it feels quite cinematic, and having seen the film years ago, the stage version is similar to watching the film, just with different actors and with a more modern story intertwined. It still has the intensity of the film, probably more so because what is happening is so close to you physically. It also brings home to you the intimacy of being in a small flat with other people, especially when, as an outsider, you can see the layers of evil being pared away.

The set design, by Morgan Large, looks beautifully upmarket with the kitchenette and sitting room with the three bedrooms leading off the main sitting room.

The lighting by Jason Taylor, and sound by Max Pappenheim work brilliantly hand in hand to create the thrills and atmosphere.

I also must really give a mention to Kaitlin Howard who is the Fight and Intimacy Director, because the violence in the play was really realistic, and again brought forth large, audible intakes of breath. 

In a modern world of social media where we let strangers into our lives and where everything to know about a person is, quite often, out there for all to see, this stage production is as bang up to date as you're going to get, and just as frightening as the film was back in 1992. And if you're thinking of taking in a lodger this year..... make sure all of your stilettos are locked away!

Being a fan of both Ms Marsh and Ms Faulkner, I was always going to love this play version, and the intense, muscle clenching, white knuckle gripping rollercoaster of a thriller is a ride that I will gladly buy another ticket for.

"Single White Female" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 24 January.