For years, fans have followed Lisa Faulkner’s dynamic career, from her memorable roles in iconic television dramas to her culinary triumphs. Now, the acclaimed actress is set to embark on an electrifying new chapter, captivating audiences on the stage once more. Known to many for her compelling portrayal of Fi Browning in the BBC’s beloved soap opera EastEnders, Faulkner is preparing to delve into the chilling depths of psychological suspense. She will co-star with fellow television luminary Kym Marsh in a highly anticipated stage adaptation of the classic thriller, Single White Female. This ambitious theatrical venture marks a significant return to the boards for Faulkner, a move that has already sparked immense excitement among her dedicated following. With a reputation for delivering nuanced and powerful performances, her transition into this darker, more intense role promises a captivating experience for theatregoers across the UK and Ireland. The project represents not just a new challenge but a thrilling opportunity to explore complex characters in a live, immersive setting.
A Bold Return to the Theatrical Spotlight
Lisa Faulkner’s journey back to the stage is fueled by a palpable enthusiasm for challenging roles and the unique energy of live performance. Having graced our screens as Fi Browning in EastEnders in 2017, she now steps into a realm that offers a different kind of intensity. This collaboration with Kym Marsh, a respected figure in both music and acting, adds another layer of intrigue to the production. Faulkner has openly expressed her delight at working alongside Marsh, indicating a mutual admiration that bodes well for their on-stage chemistry. “I am so excited to be back on stage,” she shared, highlighting her eagerness to return to the theatrical environment. Her admiration for Marsh is evident, reinforcing the strength of this acting duo.
Faulkner has always been drawn to characters that are bold and sharply defined, and the role in Single White Female perfectly aligns with this ambition. She recalls watching the original film adaptation years ago in the cinema, an experience that clearly left a lasting impression. Now, she eagerly anticipates the opportunity to recreate that same potent tension and psychological suspense for a live audience. The immediacy and intimacy of theatre allow for a unique connection with the narrative, promising a truly immersive experience for those witnessing the unfolding drama.
Unpacking the Thriller: ‘Single White Female’ on Stage
The stage production draws its dark inspiration from John Lutz’s acclaimed 1990 novel, SWF Seeks Same, a narrative steeped in the unsettling dynamics of a co-dependent and ultimately dangerous relationship between two women. The original story captivated readers and viewers alike with its escalating suspense and psychological depth, exploring themes of obsession, identity, and vulnerability. In this new stage adaptation, Kym Marsh and Lisa Faulkner are set to inhabit these complex roles, bringing their formidable acting prowess to the fore.
Marsh will portray the character of Allie, a newly divorced single mother grappling with financial strain, who seeks a roommate to help make ends meet. It is into Allie’s vulnerable world that Lisa Faulkner’s character, Hedy, steps – a seemingly innocuous arrival that soon unravels into a terrifying saga of psychological manipulation and menace. The premise explores how a desperate need for companionship can spiral into a perilous game of cat and mouse, blurring the lines between friendship and obsession. The play promises to deliver the same chilling tension that made the original story a cult classic, reimagined for the contemporary stage.
Crafting a Modern Masterpiece: The Creative Team Behind the Adaptation
Bringing a beloved, albeit dark, story like Single White Female to the theatrical stage requires a visionary creative team, and this production boasts exceptional talent. The new version of the play has been expertly penned by Rebecca Reid, a writer renowned for her ability to craft compelling narratives and insightful character studies. Reid’s adaptation is expected to breathe fresh life into the classic thriller, resonating with today’s audiences while retaining the core psychological intensity that defines the original work. Her skill in adapting complex stories ensures that the stage version will be both faithful to the source material and innovatively tailored for live performance.
Guiding this ambitious project from concept to curtain is the highly respected director Gordon Greenberg. Known for his keen eye for detail and his ability to elicit powerful performances from his cast, Greenberg’s direction will be crucial in translating the nuanced psychological terror of Single White Female into a compelling theatrical experience. His expertise in staging intricate narratives and creating palpable tension will ensure that every scene crackles with suspense, making for an unforgettable night at the theatre. The collaboration between Reid’s incisive script and Greenberg’s skilled direction promises a production that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally thrilling.
The Anticipated UK and Ireland Tour
The journey of Single White Female across the UK and Ireland is set to be an extensive and thrilling one, allowing a broad audience to experience this captivating production. The play is scheduled to make its grand debut on January 9, 2026, at the historic Brighton’s Theatre Royal, a venue renowned for its rich theatrical heritage. This opening night marks the beginning of an expansive tour that will traverse various cities until June, offering theatre enthusiasts across the nations an opportunity to witness Lisa Faulkner and Kym Marsh in action.
The tour itinerary includes a diverse array of prominent cultural hubs, ensuring wide accessibility for audiences. Confirmed stops include Nottingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Dublin, and Malvern, among others. Each city will experience the raw intensity of this psychological thriller, promising an evening of gripping drama and stellar performances. The extensive nature of the tour underscores the production team’s commitment to bringing high-quality theatre to diverse communities, making Single White Female a highlight of the upcoming theatrical season.
Fanfare and Fierce Performances: Audiences React
The announcement of Lisa Faulkner’s involvement in Single White Female has been met with an outpouring of excitement and anticipation from her loyal fanbase. Audiences are eager to witness her embrace a role that promises to be distinctively darker and more psychologically intricate than her previous television work. Social media has buzzed with comments from fans, with many expressing their enthusiasm. “This will suit her completely,” one fan enthusiastically remarked, while another expressed keen curiosity to see Faulkner explore the more sinister dimensions of the story. This anticipation highlights the widespread belief in her versatility and capacity to tackle challenging characters with depth and conviction.
Furthermore, the pairing of Lisa Faulkner with Kym Marsh has been overwhelmingly well-received, lauded by many as a powerful combination of talent. “Two strong actresses together is always a win,” a fan commented, perfectly encapsulating the general sentiment. Lisa’s previous work, particularly her emotionally charged scenes in EastEnders, showcased her remarkable ability to convey profound feelings and navigate intense narrative arcs. With this new project, she is poised to leverage that experience and take on fresh challenges, delivering a performance that is sure to captivate and unsettle audiences in equal measure. Her readiness to step into this complex psychological thriller underscores her artistic ambition and commitment to evolving as a performer.
Why This Matters for the Future of Theatrical Thrillers
The theatrical adaptation of Single White Female, featuring the formidable talents of Lisa Faulkner and Kym Marsh, represents more than just another stage play; it signifies a significant moment for contemporary theatre. In an era dominated by screens, the return of classic psychological thrillers to the live stage offers a unique and invaluable experience. Live theatre amplifies the suspense, the tension, and the raw emotion inherent in such narratives, creating an immersive atmosphere that digital mediums often struggle to replicate. The shared experience of an audience holding its breath in collective anticipation is a powerful testament to the enduring allure of stage productions.
This venture also highlights the dynamic career paths of actors who seamlessly transition between television and theatre, enriching both industries. For Lisa Faulkner, this role is a bold declaration of artistic exploration, showcasing her range beyond established television personas. It underscores the importance of challenging oneself creatively and embracing roles that push boundaries. As audiences flock to witness this captivating drama, it reinforces the vitality of psychological thrillers as a genre that continues to resonate, reflecting anxieties and obsessions that are timeless. The tour’s extensive reach means that this powerful narrative will impact diverse communities, proving that compelling storytelling, particularly within the gripping framework of a live thriller, remains a cornerstone of artistic expression and public engagement.
