Evelyn Hoskins (Waitress UK and Ireland Tour)

With heartfelt storytelling, stunning music and powerful themes of female empowerment, Waitress has become a firm favourite within musical theatre audiences. As the show celebrates its 10th anniversary with a UK tour, few know the role of Dawn quite like Evelyn Hoskins, who returns for her third contract having now performed the role more than 400 times. From her first experiences in the show with a West End run that was cut short due to the pandemic to returning for this milestone tour, Evelyn discusses her connection to Dawn and the show, as well as finding confidence in herself as a performer and why this beloved musical continues to resonate with audiences.

Q) How does it feel to be revisiting this role?

This is my third contract playing Dawn! I did the show originally in the West End in 2020, alongside composer Sara Bareilles as Jenna, which sadly got cut short due to the pandemic. So getting to tour with it after that was such a blessing, as this truly is a dream role and show. Which is why when I was asked back for this tour I couldn’t say no!

We also got to work with some of the original US creatives in this rehearsal process, having previously been put in by the UK creative team. Which has meant my interpretation this time felt super fresh, new and challenging. It’s always a joy returning to this material.

Q) Is there anything that you learnt about yourself as a performer or about Dawn as a character during the previous tour which you’ve taken on board for this current run?

Between Waitress contracts, I’ve been working on a new musical called 42 Balloons which has been really challenging me as a singer. I always classed myself in the "actor who sings" category but 42 Balloons meant I took myself to some singing lessons and I’ve learnt so much about my voice and vocal technique (shout out to Matt Shaw), so I’ve come into this contract feeling much more vocally strong.

Q) What was it about Waitress in particular that piqued your interest and made you want to be involved?

I saw the original Broadway cast in 2016 and fell in love with the show. I love the female empowerment, the representation of non-romantic relationships and the fact that Jenna chooses herself at the end of the show. It was so refreshing to watch a show that wasn’t tied up into a perfect bow at the end, something that reflects real life.

Q) Dawn is such a quirky, lovable and relatable character who goes on a journey of learning to embrace love as she gains new confidence - what do you admire most about her character and are there any ways in which you relate to her?

She’s the best, I’ve done over 400 shows as Dawn now and I’m still not bored. I think because of everything you’ve mentioned. I have a lot of people say to me at stage door that they’re Dawn, which is so lovely. I can definitely relate to the fear of putting yourself out there and maybe being rejected. It’s easier to stay inside that shell sometimes. But in her case, she does put herself out there and it works out perfectly.

Q) Dawn’s relationship with Ogie is a fan favourite storyline - what do you think makes their romance so special?

They’re the underdogs! I said to Jessie Nelson, who wrote the book, thank you for giving the quirky comedy role the romantic story arch! We never normally get to play that. We’re the bridesmaid and never the bride. It’s tricky because you have to invest in Dawn to want her and Ogie to work, playing opposite Mark Anderson’s Ogie makes my job SUPER easy, he’s honestly the best and loves to play, as do I. We have a lot of fun and I think and hope people can see that on stage.

Q) Dawn’s character is full of humour, but she also has moments of real vulnerability. How do you find this balance when performing on stage?

I’m so glad you see this! I think it’s so easy to just class Dawn as the comic relief, but the start of her story is so vulnerable, she’s human and scared for others to see the real her. Which I think we can all resonate with on some level. I also love that I get to play the comic stuff but that Dawn gets those moments of vulnerability, but I thinks that’s why it pays off because you spend all this time laughing at/hopefully with her, so when those moments hit they feel even more sensitive.

Q) Sara Bareilles’ music for Waitress is absolutely stunning - are there any songs that resonate with you personally or as a performer?

Like I said, I saw the show on Broadway, so I was a fan from the second I heard it. I listened to the cast recording for days straight after watching it. What I love about this show is that you can see multiple performers and not one take will feel the same. And the team encourage us to make it our own. It’s so refreshing on a commercial show to have that artistic freedom and I believe that’s because it stems from Sara.

Q) What is your favourite song to perform or listen to?

I love I Didn’t Plan It. It’s SUCH a bop and probably stylistically the furthest away from something I would sing. I get to sit back and listen to it every night whilst waiting to go on as Betsy Ross! And I’ve had some phenomenal Becky’s over the years. Each one bringing their own thing.

Q) Waitress explores such important themes and sparks such vital conversations - why do you think it’s so important for these topics to be explored through different art forms such as theatre?

We used to have a wall of guest checks in London where audiences would write their experience of the show on them and post them to a big board. Often these would be people realising that maybe their relationship isn’t as healthy as they thought. Having been in an abusive relationship, it does take seeing it played out to question what you’ve got going on at home. The best art should hold a mirror up and this show has and continues to do that. All that being said, it does it in the best way, and the support network that you see for Jenna is so important too. If that’s something that resonates with an audience member, I wholeheartedly encourage them to seek help. Refuge is a great charity and a good place to start.

Q) Waitress is currently embarking on a tour, which brings different energy every week. As a performer, how do you approach touring as opposed to being based in London. What excites you about touring and what aspects do you find challenging?

Touring is SO hard, mostly physically. You’re often travelling to the next venue on your day off and obviously you’re away from family and friends. But getting to bring this show to people who may not have the means to travel to London is really special for me! And experiencing the differing responses depending on the city is always fun!

Q) Have you had any standout moments on the tour so far?

Opening with Carrie [Fletcher] and Sandra [Marvin], then having to say goodbye. It’s been fun having new people to play off and to go back to familiar friends on stage too. And having my family in for Bristol and Bournemouth was really lovely!

Q) Why should audiences come along to see Waitress?

It has EVERYTHING you want in a musical. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll leave humming the tunes. I often have people at stage door say they’ve brought their partner or friend or mum and it’s their first musical. I think Waitress is a perfect introduction to the world of musicals!

Waitress is currently embarking on a UK tour up until 31st October, where the tour concludes in The Lowry - tickets and more information can be found here.

Photography by Johan Persson and Matt Crockett