Waitress

UK Tour - New Wimbledon Theatre

Wholesome, moving and relatable. This vibrant show packs a heartfelt message and empowers the audience to follow their hearts. You need a slice of this show.

As you can imagine, I’ve reviewed a fair amount of shows over the years, and this is one I’ve waited a long time to see. I’ve never watched a show that I wished I were the only audience member. I just craved silence. Such a rare and surprising feeling.

So, it’s the 10th anniversary of Waitress, and each cast member makes this show extra special. Everything on that stage created this real feeling. Nothing felt over the top, unrealistic or wrong. If anyone has anything negative to say, WHERE IS YOUR HEART? The show has the loudest message and is a warm hug. However, I now wish Jenna’s pies were real… my goodness, I want one of those mermaid pies. Jessie Nelson’s story, paired with Sara Bareilles’ music and lyrics, creates this powerful slice of theatre goodness that will leave you empowered and filled with positivity for the future. No matter how dark and scary things feel, there is always a light on its way at the end of the tunnel… a soft place to land.

Jenna was a perfect role for Carrie Hope Fletcher; there is something very special about the way she presents the lead. The feeling, the love and kindness she shows, her character is warm. My goodness, those songs she has clearly got to know inside out, because she effortlessly sings each note and makes it her own. Somehow, it feels like it was made for her. The way she controls the audience, silences them for ‘She Used To Be Mine’ is spellbinding. She is a good witch of the theatre. A huge standout is Mark Anderson as ‘Ogie’, he is naturally and effortlessly hilarious. What absolute fun he has with his character. So many quirky, quick and hilarious choices and his performance of ‘Never Ever Getting Rid Of Me’ is addictive… You wish you could play it over and over again. Sandra Marvin as ‘Becky’ is the shoulder every girl needs, she picks you up when you’re down and knows when you need the truth. She puts so much power into her role, and oh, you would not want to mess with her character. In ‘I Didn’t Plan It’, the audience is to SIT AND LISTEN. Whoa, what a voice and what a message. The way she stops the plot for one minute to tell the audience what she stands for and where her character has been is pivotal. Evelyn Hoskins as ‘Dawn’, PROTECT THIS CHARACTER AT ALL COSTS. She is so wholesome, bright and wonderful. She presents to the audience how important it is to step out of your comfort zone and dip your toes into the unknown. Her childlike excitement and enchanting voice make you so proud and excited for her character. Every character has a clear arc, and it’s so rare.

The set Scott Pask goes hand in hand with the costume design by Suttirat Anne Larlarb to create this incredibly real setting. It really feels like they are cutting a scene out of real life to display to the audience. All the costumes look natural, and you believe that they are the people you are being presented. In terms of the set, there is this incredible setting when Dr Pomatter, played by Dan Partridge, and Jenna are sitting talking. There is a beautiful sunset setting, with power lines, and the way it looks creates a three-dimensional space that truly makes it feel like they are sitting in that romantic sunset. Their beautiful love is blossoming in this incredible setting. Another standout element was choreography by Lorin Latarro, it blends into Diane Paulus’ direction like the recipe for a perfect pie. Each movement and choice makes sense and again feels natural. Whilst, YES, it is unnatural for some people (not me) to break out into dance and sing every day. The choreography makes sense, adds to the atmosphere and embellishes moments of the show, making them more heartfelt and tender.

After years of waiting to see this show, it does not disappoint; it's so much more. The story can translate to anyone's life experience and is genuinely lovely. It's a warm hug of a musical and will leave you a little hungry. What would your pie be called? Do not miss out on the show, everything is just right! What a performance.