Waitress serves up far more than a story about pies. Beneath its humour and charm is a thoughtful musical about friendship, resilience and finding the courage to change your life.
There is clearly a deep affection for this show. The audience responded enthusiastically throughout, applauding scenes and songs with genuine warmth. Looking around the theatre, it was striking to see friends exchanging knowing smiles and nods. The audience reflected the broad appeal of the show, with younger theatregoers and long time musical fans sharing the experience together.
Carrie Hope Fletcher delivers a heartfelt performance as Jenna, bringing sincerity and emotional depth to a character searching for a brighter future. Her connection to Sara Bareilles’ contemporary score, with its gentle country rhythms and pop influences, gives the production its beating heart.
Jenna is surrounded by an exceptional supporting cast. Becky and Dawn bring humour, compassion and effortless chemistry to the stage, creating friendships that feel completely authentic. Dr Pomatter provides an equally compelling performance, with the growing attraction between him and Jenna portrayed with enough charm and vulnerability for the audience to understand the emotional conflict at the centre of the story.
The opening scenes carefully establish the characters and their relationships before the atmosphere shifts completely whenever Ogie appears. His quirky personality, boundless enthusiasm and impeccable comic timing inject a fresh burst of energy into every scene, earning some of the biggest laughs of the evening.
The balance between the light hearted world of pie making and the musical’s more serious themes is handled with sensitivity and care.
Funny, moving and beautifully performed, Waitress proves that some of the most satisfying musicals are those that tell deeply human stories. It is a production that leaves audiences smiling, while giving them plenty to think about long after the final curtain.
