Single White Female at Wales Millennium Centre review: Kym Marsh and Lisa Faulkner deliver a gripping stage thriller
There is something delicious about watching a psychological thriller unfold live on stage, and Single White Female at Wales Millennium Centre proves exactly why. Starring Kym Marsh and Lisa Faulkner, this stage adaptation brings a familiar story into a whole new space, turning quiet tension into something you can almost feel in your seat.
For anyone who remembers the iconic 90s film, you might think you know what you are in for. You really do not. This production takes the core idea and reshapes it for theatre, making it feel sharper, more intimate and, at times, uncomfortably close to home. And for those who have never seen the film, that actually works in your favour. You get to experience every twist, awkward silence and uneasy glance without expectation.
The story centres on two women whose lives become increasingly entangled after a seemingly simple living arrangement begins. At first, it all feels relatable. Shared spaces, shared conversations, shared confidences. Slowly, though, boundaries blur. Personalities overlap. The line between friendship and something far more unsettling begins to fade. That creeping shift is where this production really shines.
“A gripping stage thriller that turns quiet tension into something you can almost feel in your seat.”
Lisa Faulkner brings warmth and vulnerability to her role, grounding the character in a way that makes the emotional stakes feel real rather than theatrical. You understand her choices, even when you are quietly urging her not to make them. Kym Marsh , meanwhile, is mesmerising. Her performance is controlled, subtle and layered, which makes every small change in expression or tone land with impact. Watching the dynamic between the two leads evolve is like watching a storm gather on the horizon. You can sense it building long before it breaks.
The stage design at Wales Millennium Centre plays a huge part in the atmosphere. The set feels both ordinary and claustrophobic, reflecting how a safe space can slowly turn into somewhere that feels anything but. Clever lighting and sound keep the tension simmering rather than relying on big shocks. It is the kind of production where the audience goes quiet without being asked, everyone leaning in at the same time.
What makes Single White Female such a strong theatre experience is how personal it feels. On screen, you are an observer. In the theatre, you are almost in the room with them. Every pause, every look held a second too long, every shift in tone feels amplified. It is not about jump scares. It is about that uneasy feeling that something is not quite right, and the knowledge that it is already too late to step back.
This is not just a retelling of a well-known story. It is a reminder of how easily trust can be misplaced, how quickly loneliness can distort reality, and how thin the line is between connection and control. The production keeps you guessing about just how far things will go, without ever tipping its hand too early.
Whether you are a fan of the original film or coming to Single White Female completely fresh, this production at The Wales Millennium Centre is well worth your time. It is tense, stylish and led by two performances that are hard to look away from. You might walk in expecting a nostalgic thriller. You will walk out having experienced something far more immediate.
If you enjoy drama that gets under your skin rather than shouting for attention, book your ticket here. Just maybe think twice about your next housemate.
