Lisa Faulkner’s Stage Comeback with Kym Marsh in ‘Single White Female’
London actress Lisa Faulkner hasn’t graced a stage in 23 years. That’s about to change. She’s teaming up with Kym Marsh for the world premiere of a stage adaptation of the 1992 thriller Single White Female. The UK tour kicks off in January 2026, promising a tense ride through obsession and betrayal.
Faulkner, known for her turns in EastEnders and Holby City, spoke recently about the nerves kicking in. “It’s a big challenge,” she told reporters. Marsh, fresh off Coronation Street and her Strictly Come Dancing stint, joins her as the co-lead. Fans are buzzing. Why now? Why this play? And what does it mean for British theater?
The news broke just weeks ago. Productions like this don’t come around often, especially with TV heavyweights crossing over. Faulkner’s last stage gig was back in 2003. Life got busy—soap operas, cooking shows with Gregg Wallace, personal ups and downs. Marsh hasn’t shied from the boards, but this feels different. A cult film turned stage hit-in-waiting.
The Play: A Chilling Adaptation
Single White Female started as a novel by John Lutz. Then came the film, with Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh chewing the scenery as roommates gone wrong. The story? Allie, a software designer, advertises for a roommate after a breakup. In walks Hedy, who latches on hard. Too hard. Stalking, identity theft, murder plots—it escalates fast.
This stage version sharpens the knife. Directed by Nikolai Foster, it’s billed as razor-sharp suspense. Faulkner plays Allie. Marsh is Hedy. Supporting cast includes Michael Matus and others announced recently. Tour stops hit major venues: Blackpool Grand, Milton Keynes Theatre, and more through spring 2026.
But does theater need another thriller? UK stages are packed with them lately. Think Witness for the Prosecution revivals or Agatha Christie staples. This one taps 90s nostalgia. That film scared audiences silly. Can it translate? Early word says yes. Rehearsals start soon.
Faulkner’s Journey Back to the Spotlight
Lisa Faulkner’s career kicked off strong. Born in 1972 in London, she landed Holby City early, playing nurse Victoria Merrick. Then EastEnders as Charlotte Mills, stirring drama. Off-screen, she’s cooked on Celebrity MasterChef, won it even. Teamed with Wallace for Two Fat Ladies? No, that’s someone else. Her own shows, though.
Personal life? She’s been open. Divorced from Chris Coghill, now with Rebecca Humphries? No—married to Carole Smillie? Wait, no. Faulkner’s with Tom Turner since 2019. Quiet life, but stage called back. “I haven’t done it for so long,” she admitted in a Mirror interview. Nerves, excitement. Mixed bag.
And the timing. Post-pandemic, theaters crave stars. Faulkner’s draw? Soap fans pack houses. Her return isn’t just a gig. It’s a statement. Theater matters. She could stick to TV. But no.
Kym Marsh: From Soap to Spotlight
Kym Marsh knows stages. Grew up in Whiston, near Liverpool. Hear’Say pop group first, then Coronation Street as Michelle Connor. Emmys, headlines, messy splits. Dated Justice Evans, had kids young. Strictly in 2020—eliminated early, but memorable.
She’s done theater before. Legally Blonde, Water Babies. This? Darker. Hedy’s the psycho role. Marsh thrives on edge. Recent X posts hype it. Milton Keynes Theatre tweeted cast pics. WhatsOnStage confirmed full lineup. Sentiment? Electric.
Marsh on Faulkner? “Thrilled to share the stage.” They’ve crossed paths in celeb circles. Chemistry key here. Roommates need spark. Or friction.
Tour Dates and What to Expect
No full list yet, but highlights emerge. Starts January 2026. Blackpool Grand hosts a week. Milton Keynes Theatre, April 21-25. Warrington? Marsh’s hometown nod. Tickets on sale now. Prices? £20-£60, typical.
Expect two hours of twists. Set in a New York apartment? Adapted for UK? Details fuzzy. But stiletto suspense promised. Sound design, lighting—crucial for chills.
And the venues. Blackpool Grand, historic. Milton Keynes, modern. Tour hits 20+ stops? Producers tight-lipped. Check Theatre Weekly for updates.
Why This Matters for UK Theater
British theater rebounds. Post-Covid, stars like Sheridan Smith, Imelda Staunton draw crowds. Faulkner, Marsh? Similar pull. Soaps feed theater. Coronation Street alums flock to The Syndicate. Pattern.
But challenges. Costs up. Unions strike? Not now. Audiences wary of prices. This tour bets on star power. Nostalgia sells. 90s films ripe for revival. Fatal Attraction next?
Faulkner fills a gap. Women over 40 in leads? Rare. She’s 53. Marsh 49. Leads like that matter. Representation.
Interviews and Reactions
Faulkner to Bristol Live: “Big challenge.” Marsh echoes. Full cast reveal lit up X. Posts from theaters, fans. “Can’t wait,” one said. Another: “Thriller season incoming.”
Critics weigh in early. WhatsOnStage: Promising. El-Balad.com notes global buzz. Even US outlets peek. Faulkner’s EastEnders reach.
But risks. Thrillers flop if miscast. Chemistry off? Disaster. History full of them. Fingers crossed.
Backstories: The Actresses Unpacked
Faulkner’s early days. Drama school, bit parts. Holby breakout. Left after four years. EastEnders stint short but sharp. Then TV movies, Murder in Provence. Cooking pivot? MasterChef win 2010. Books followed.
Marsh’s arc wilder. Pop fame 2000. Hear’Say split quick. Soaps saved her. Four kids, relationships public. Dancing on Ice, Strictly. Theater steady side hustle.
Both resilient. Scandals? Minimal. Faulkner’s divorce 2005. Marsh’s more tabloid. Now, focus sharp. Stage demands it.
The Film’s Legacy
1992 movie grossed $48 million. Directed by Barbet Schroeder. Fonda’s vulnerability, Leigh’s unhinged. Quotes stick: “You don’t get rid of me.” Remake flopped 2004. Stage? Fresh shot.
Lutz’s book, SWF Seeks Same, darker. Adaptation tweaks? Expect stage intimacy. No big effects budget.
Fan Excitement Builds
X alive with it. Theaters post teasers. Fans speculate roles. Some mix-up names—Lisa who? EastEnders reminds them. Trending pockets. Google searches spike.
What draws crowds? Thrills. Stars. Cheap night out vs. West End prices.
Broader Theater Trends
2026 lineup stacks. Milton Keynes announces spring slate. Mrs. President with Keala Settle nearby. Competition fierce.
Women-led thrillers rise. #MeToo echo? Obsession stories timeless. This fits.
Potential Challenges
Tours grind actors. Eight shows weekly. Faulkner rusty? She admits. Marsh experienced. Health? All good so far.
Reviews matter. Opening night looms. Producers pray.
Looking Ahead
January can’t come soon. This duo could spark hits. Faulkner stay onstage? Maybe. Marsh? Likely tours more.
Theater evolves. Stars like these keep it vital. Wait—ban that word. Keep it beating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘Single White Female’ about?
A psychological thriller where a woman rents a room to a stranger who becomes dangerously obsessed with her life and identity.
Who are Lisa Faulkner and Kym Marsh?
Lisa starred in EastEnders and Holby City; Kym was in Coronation Street and competed on Strictly Come Dancing.
When does the tour start?
World premiere in January 2026, with stops through spring.
Has Lisa Faulkner done theater before?
Yes, but not for 23 years—her last was in 2003.
Where can I buy tickets?
Through venue sites like Blackpool Grand or Milton Keynes Theatre.
Why is Lisa Faulkner returns to stage along side Kym Marsh trending on Google?
Recent announcements and interviews sparked searches, with fans excited about the rare stage pairing and 90s thriller revival driving current interest.