Lisa Faulkner Prepares for Stage Debut in ‘Single White Female’

Lisa Faulkner is set to return to the stage in the world premiere of Single White Female, a new adaptation of the acclaimed 1992 psychological thriller film. The play will open at Brighton’s Theatre Royal on January 9, 2024, and run until June 13, 2024. Faulkner, known for her roles in Missing You and Holby City, will portray Allie, a single mother navigating a dangerous relationship with her roommate Hedy, played by Kym Marsh.

In an interview with HELLO!, Faulkner expressed her excitement for the role, stating, “I think we’ll have fun. I’m really looking forward to playing Allie, and playing that slightly psycho character will be great for Kym. I think she’ll do it brilliantly.” The actress, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2010, has a close connection with the material, recalling her enjoyment of the original film featuring Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Adapting a Classic for Modern Audiences

The new production reimagines the story for contemporary audiences, incorporating themes of social media and evolving relationships. Faulkner remarked on the script’s fast-paced reading and cinematic quality, saying, “It reads really fast and like a film, so I was excited about it.” She noted that the audience will resonate with the characters, as many viewers who enjoyed the original film are now parents themselves.

Faulkner’s own family experience adds a personal touch to her performance. She adopted her daughter, Billie, who is now 19, with her former husband, actor Chris Coghill. Billie has not seen the film but has read the script with her mother and plans to attend the play. Faulkner said, “It’s one of those plays where, if I wasn’t in it, I’d take her to see it.” The actress also mentioned that her close friends, including Angela Griffin and Amanda Holden, are eager to support her during the run.

A Supportive Family Dynamic

Faulkner’s husband, chef John Torode, has been an integral part of her preparation, helping her rehearse lines and providing support. “He’s been running through the lines with me. He’s so happy for me,” she shared. Their six-year marriage is marked by mutual support, with Faulkner describing Torode as “my husband and my best mate.” She added that he is “such a gentleman and so kind.”

While Billie still resides with her mother, she enjoys a lifestyle of travel, often away for weeks at a time. Faulkner humorously remarked, “She hasn’t left home quite yet, thank goodness,” expressing a mix of pride and protectiveness regarding her daughter’s aspirations in acting. “I’m like: ‘No, keep away from the acting.’ I think it can be a great thing, though it’s very up and down. But if she wants to do it, she can,” Faulkner stated.

The anticipation for Single White Female is building, with a blend of excitement and nostalgia for the original story. Faulkner’s return to the stage promises to bring new life to a classic tale, making it a must-see for audiences this winter. For more insights, readers can find the full interview in the latest issue of HELLO!.