Stage Revival of 90s Thriller Single White Female Premieres in Woking
A fresh theatrical adaptation of the iconic 1990s psychological thriller Single White Female has launched at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking, with performances continuing through Saturday, March 7, 2026. This production reimagines the classic film for modern audiences, transforming what might seem like a dated premise into a relevant exploration of contemporary fears.
Modernizing a Classic Story for Today's Audience
The original film's premise has been thoroughly overhauled to reflect current societal anxieties. The story follows Allie, portrayed by Lisa Faulkner, a recently divorced London professional struggling financially while raising a teenage daughter. To make ends meet, she advertises for a flatmate, leading to the arrival of Hedy, played by Kym Marsh.
Initially appearing friendly and helpful, Hedy's behavior gradually reveals an obsessive and dangerous fixation on Allie. The production cleverly incorporates modern concerns including social media manipulation, online anonymity, unaccountable opinions, and identity theft—elements that Hedy exploits to unsettle her new roommate.
Production Elements and Performance Dynamics
While the script functions effectively in moving the plot forward, the production team appears to have approached it with some distrust. Dramatic lighting effects flare throughout performances, and the soundscape frequently explodes with intensity. This stylistic choice pushes what begins as nuanced acting toward melodramatic territory as the story progresses.
The pacing remains generally tight, with a storyline that begins in a relatable situation before escalating into extraordinary circumstances. However, some narrative elements prove challenging—the exact body count becomes unclear toward the conclusion, and Hedy's motivations and confessions sometimes lack complete rationalization.
Audience Reception and Critical Perspective
Despite these production choices, the two lead actors demonstrate unwavering commitment throughout the performance. Marsh and Faulkner maintain intensity from beginning to end, even as scenes transition from simmering tension to full-blown confrontation. Many audience members responded enthusiastically, with cheers and applause greeting the final curtain call.
The production deserves credit for retaining the original title while centering everyday anxieties within its plot. However, the heavy reliance on lighting and sound effects occasionally inhibits the psychological terror that defines the thriller genre, resulting in an experience that engages intermittently without achieving extraordinary impact.
Community Theatre Update: Guildford's Electric Theatre Future
In related theatre news, Guildford Borough Council continues to assess options for the Electric Theatre, which closed in May 2025 when leaseholders ACM Commercial Ltd entered administration. The theatre was originally established through the efforts of the late Leonard Farley, a technically brilliant figure from Guildford Rep who championed creating a home for smaller theatre companies and community drama societies.
Farley founded the Guildford Amateur Theatre Association (GATA) in the mid-1990s to advocate for this vision. Following the theatre's closure last year, strong community reaction prompted the Council to engage with residents and stakeholders about potential future uses for the venue.
A recently published Council paper recommends seeking external advice to determine viable next steps, given the municipality's inability to provide ongoing financial support. Possible options include procuring a new operator, establishing another lease arrangement, or disposing of the building entirely.
