‘Why Am I So Single’ launched in style

Friday, February 16, 2024

The much-anticipated new show from SIX writers Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss features fabulous songs and autobiographical elements

West End star Layton Williams hosted the event
West End star Layton Williams hosted the event

It was a big fancy affair when Why Am I So Single? (A Big Fancy Musical) launched on Valentine’s Day at the Boulevard Theatre in Soho. The new, much-anticipated musical from Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the songwriting duo behind SIX: The Musical, will open at the Garrick Theatre on 27 August and already has a six-month run locked in. Ahead of its West End opening, the press were given a sneak peek at the two-act show, produced by SIX producer Kenny Wax, at the appropriately fancy Soho venue complete with revolving stage, glitzy mirrors and cocktail bar.

The first public outing was actually last year, when the musical was workshopped at the Lilian Baylis Studio. Since then, tweaks have been made, new songs have been added and character arcs finessed. The premise remains the same, however – two besties, spending a prosecco-fuelled night lamenting their pitiful love lives while also stressing about having to write a big fancy West End musical. Sound autobiographical? Just a bit.


Writers Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss pose for their photoshoot with Matt Crockett

Presented by Layton Williams, the launch kicked off with three songs from the show performed by Marlow and Moss and the two leads, Jo Foster and Leesa Tulley. There then followed a Q&A with Williams and the songwriting duo, before guests headed downstairs for tarot readings, fizz and selfies.

For those wanting more of what SIX has to offer, music- and lyrics-wise, Why Am I So Single? won’t disappoint. But the range of musical styles is broader here, and the narrative is stronger. As the duo told Musicals, it was a painstaking process but the result is one they’re really proud of.

 

'Why Am I So Single?' opens at the Garrick Theatre 27 August and the run is currently scheduled to continue through to 13 February, 2025