Kym Marsh says she has ‘big shoes to fill in Single White Female’

From pop concerts to Coronation Street’s famous cobbles, Kym Marsh has an extensive list of credits to her name.

Now the singer and actress, from Wigan in Greater Manchester, is set to star in the world’s first theatre production of the 1992 psychological thriller Single White Female.

“I remember being totally gripped by the movie when I first saw it in the cinema,” said Marsh, who will play Hedy alongside Lisa Faulkner as Allie in the touring production, which will include shows in Blackpool, Liverpool and Manchester.

“I could never have imagined back then that I’d be starring in the world premiere of its life on stage.”

The new stage play, adapted by author, journalist and broadcaster Rebecca Reid, follows Allie – a recently divorced mum, balancing being a single parent with the launch of her tech start-up.

When she decides to advertise for a lodger to help make ends meet, the delightful Hedy offers her a lifeline.

But as their lives intertwine, boundaries blur and a seemingly perfect arrangement begins to unravel with chilling consequences.

“Jennifer Jason Leigh was just incredible at playing Hedy [in the film] so they were big shoes to fill,” said Marsh.

The 49-year-old, who shot to fame in 2001 as a member of Hear’Say in the ITV reality show Popstars, added: “Thankfully I can play her slightly differently.”

The play opens on 9 January at Brighton’s Theatre Royal and will tour the UK and Ireland until 13 June.

“I think we’ll keep people on the edge of the seats,” said Marsh.

“I think if you’re a fan of the movie, you’ll love it because the iconic moments that people will remember from the movie will remain, but the story is slightly different.

“It’s still scary though.

“It’s still nail-biting but there’s also a lot of comedy in there as well.”