Waitress | Venue Cymru

Returning to the stage for its 10th anniversary with a UK and Ireland tour, Waitress the Musical, which has a book by Jessie Nelson and music by Sara Bareilles, follows Jenna, a waitress and talented piemaker who is trapped in an unhappy and controlling marriage. Based on the 2007 film of the same title, we follow Jenna's self-discovery journey when an unexpected pregnancy forces her to reassess her life and the future she wants for herself and her baby, beginning to imagine life beyond the confines of her small-town diner. Ultimately, Waitress is a warm and deeply moving celebration of friendship and finding courage within yourself to change the course of your life.

Director Abbey O'Brien, who has reshaped the original direction from Diane Paulus, ensures that the production remains fluid whilst never losing sight of the show's emotional core and beautiful storytelling element. There is lovely use of movement (Lorin Latarro) throughout and the show transitions effortlessly from the bustling diner, to her confined home where she feels trapped as well as Dr Pomatter's office, whilst also ensuring that the moments of comedy and heartbreak have space to breathe whilst also coinciding with one another. O'Brien's direction allows for strong character-driven storytelling and the solid performances of the incredible cast to unfold naturally.

Carrie Hope Fletcher takes on the role of Jenna with an abundance of warmth and emotional depth. Bareilles' music is the beating heart of Waitress, with each song effortless moving the narrative forward, and Fletcher is captivating in her acting through song. Rather than relying on grand theatricality, Fletcher's naturally ability to let the emotion build naturally allows for a raw and deeply affecting performance. The understated way in which Fletcher brings Jenna to life proves the incredible star quality that she possesses as a performer, with her rendition of She Used to Be Mine leaving the audience in complete awe of her talent.

Equally impressive are Evelyn Hoskins and Sandra Marvin as Dawn and Becky, completing the trio of waitresses. The friendship between the three is one of the production's greatest strengths, with the contrasting personalities creating some of the show's most funniest and heartfelt moments. The chemistry between the three feels natural and there is a definite sense of loyalty. Hoskins returns to the show as Dawn, embracing the character's quirks tenderly to ensure that she isn't turned into a caricature. What makes Dawn stand out as a character is the self-love journey that she embarks on and Hoskins balances this perfectly in her performance. Marvin is a force of nature as Becky, combining razor-sharp comedic timing with an instantly likeable quality that feels empowering and authentic.

Dan Partridge brings an endearing awkwardness to Dr Pomatter, combining gentle humour with sincerity, avoiding the typical romantic lead stereotype and instead giving him an appealing nervous energy and genuine vulnerability. Partridge and Fletcher compliment each other beautifully, both in their vocals and in their natural chemistry. Mark Anderson provides plenty of comic relief as Ogie and steals the show whenever he is on stage, whilst Les Dennis bringing warmth and sincerity as Joe.

Dan O’Brien contributes well to the lively bustle of the diner with his sharp delivery and expressive reactions as Cal, the diner's gruff cook. Mark Willshire is deeply unsettling as Earl, Jenna's controlling husband, as he captures the manipulation and possessiveness that contributes to the gradual decline in Jenna's confidence. Willshire has the difficult task of creating this disturbing character and ensuring that the darker themes of domestic abuse are not overshadowed by the musical's light-hearted moments, and to his credit, this is achieved incredibly well.

An honourable mention to the ensemble for beautifully achieved movement and backing vocals throughout the show which provides an energetic presence and brings depth to the beautiful score. Particularly effective are the sequences inspired by Jenna's pie making where the ensemble incorporate ingredients and props with playful choreography that allows Jenna's imagination to spill onto the stage.

The show's production elements compliment the story beautifully, with Scott Pask's diner set feeling lived in, transporting the audience into the small-town world in which these characters reside. The adaptable designs allow the show to transition to different locations effortlessly. Ken Billington's lighting design is effective in using warmth to enhance the happiness of the diner before shifting the atmosphere to feeling bleak and claustrophobic at Jenna's home where she experiences domestic abuse. Suttirat Anne Larlarb’s authentic costumes allows the characters to feel distinct within their personality, and the warmth of the live onstage band creates a sense of togetherness and community.

Ultimately, Waitress succeeds because beneath all the pies, laughs and catchy musical numbers is a genuinely human story. It is a show about recognising your own worth, finding strength in friendship and understanding that it is never too late to change the recipe for your life. This anniversary tour serves up a generous helping of heart, humour and beautifully performed musical theatre — and leaves you wanting another slice.

Waitress plays at Venue Cymru as part of its 10th Anniversary Tour - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Matt Crockett