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Heavy meta: Why am I So Single? @sosinglemusical

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Being young and single never seemed so fun, full of energy, yet full of contradictions in this high-concept meta-musical, Why Am I So Single? The fourth wall is not so much broken as endlessly pummelled as the cast talks directly to the audience. Frequently. But essentially, it’s about young people with neuroses and smartphone addiction exploring why they can’t find love in present-day London. Told with a series of spectacular songs and dance scenes in this new musical from the creators of Six, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. But while we don’t necessarily get an answer that rings true to the question posed by this show, you are likely to be distracted mainly by the energy and the songs. It’s currently playing at the Garrick Theatre.  A new musical based on an original idea, the premise is that Oliver (Jo Foster) and Nancy (Leesa Tulley) - which are not their real names but names taken from their favourite musical, Oliver - have to write a new musical but are stuck for an idea. So, after e

Will you still love me tomorrow: The Woods @swkplay


In The Woods, conversations drift into seemingly random discussions about seagulls, raccoons, or aliens. Perhaps it's due to the isolation from being set in a remote cabin. But it's also a heterosexual play, so that means there's a man, woman and inevitable conflict. But even if there aren't any surprises in this revival of David Mamet's 1977 work, the performances and the staging keep you focussed on it like you're a voyeur in the proceedings. It's currently playing at the Southwark Playhouse. 

The Woods is set entirely at a secluded cabin on the porch of a summer house. It's early September, and Nick seems to have been keen on taking things to the next level with Ruth. Ruth seems keen too since she took the trouble to buy a gift for Nick. But slowly, from Dusk through the night, things begin to unravel. Things that are banal and trivial become blown out of proportion. Sex becomes complicated, and ultimately there's an outburst that takes everything past a point of no return. 


The rambling discussions can be frustrating at times. But set during a time without mobile phones, social media or even a television, it's entirely plausible that this is all people did talk about in circa 1977. And among the idle chatter, the recurring themes of the passing of time, distrust and the call of death emerge. 

So in this piece, how it is said is more important than what is said. And as the sparing couple Ruth and Nick, Francesca Carpanini and Sam Frenchum hold interest throughout. Carpanini is making her UK theatre debut, and it is an inspired pairing. You feel the tension and uncertainties from the outset. 

There are a few laughs along the way. But it's more a piece to think out loud about rather than laugh out loud. And if you're looking for date night play, it just might be the piece to have a thought-provoking discussion about the future of your relationship over a post-show dinner. After all, it's a 90-minute show. 

Directed by Russell Bolam, The Woods by David Mamet runs at the Southwark Playhouse until 26 March.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️   


Photos by Pamela Raith 

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