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8th February 2022
By Shaun Tossell
Sara Bareilles’ smash-hit musical Waitress is currently traveling the country on its debut UK tour, with new leading lady Chelsea Halfpenny. She takes over from West End star Lucie Jones, who left for “greener” pastures (Jones recently made her debut as the West End’s latest Elphaba in Wicked).
Does Waitress have all the right ingredients for a perfect time at the theatre? Read on…
Waitress tells the story of “Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness.”
Chelsea Halfpenny impresses as Jenna, delivering a tender, sweet performance and breaks your heart with her gorgeous rendition of the show-stopping number “She Used To Be Mine”.
Busted’s Matt Willis makes for an appealing leading man as Dr Pomatter, with his slightly awkward charm. His chemistry with Halfpenny was palpable which added a frisson of excitement to their scenes together.
The show is absolutely chock full of brilliant comedic performances from a superbly talented cast, each getting at least one big laugh from the audience. They also bring such heart to the characters, grounding them even in the silliest of situations.
Stand out performances include Sandra Marvin as the brash Becky, Evelyn Hoskins as the shy Dawn and George Crawford as the delightfully absurd Ogie.
While not the most technically impressive show out there, Waitress does feature some lovely scenic design from Tony Award-winner Scott Pask, which is awash with pastel hues.
Waitress is brought to life by a ground-breaking, female-led creative team. The show features inspired direction by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus, inventive choreography by Lorin Latarro, a witty and touching book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson and last but not least, a gorgeous score and songs by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles.
Bareilles has to also be commended massively for crafting one of the most moving moments in modern musical theatre, with the epic balled “She Used To Mine”.
Finally, it goes without saying, none of this would of been possible without the wonderful film the show is based on, written and directed by the late Adrienne Shelly. This musical is a beautiful tribute to her legacy.
Waitress is warm, funny and full of heart. All the ingredients come together to make a perfect musical confection. Go see it!
Waitress is playing the Bristol Hippodrome until 12th February, before continuing to tour the UK.
Tickets & more info – https://www.waitressthemusical.co.uk/
Photo credit – Johan Persson
