We reviewed the current production of 'Waitress' earlier in its run. This review is an updated version of a previously published one.

Waitress has become something of a musical theatre phenomenon. Thanks to a mix of social media and a new generation of theatre fan's latching on to the story, it's become the must-see ticket of the last few years - and it's easy to see why.

With music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles and a book by Jessie Nelson, the show is based on the 2007 film of the same name, written by Adrienne Shelly. It tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, a baker and waitress in an abusive relationship with her husband, Earl. After Jenna unexpectedly becomes pregnant, she begins an affair with her doctor. Looking for ways out of her troubles, she sees a pie baking contest as her chance.

Waitress premiered at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on Broadway in April 2016 and opened its West End run at the Adelphi Theatre in 2019. Nominated for four Tony's and a Grammy, it's won the hearts and minds of a generation - a feat continued by the current UK tour which put a smile on the face of everyone in the theatre this evening.

First thing's first - this piece of theatre is special. Bareilles has constructed something that is the perfect mix of laugh-out-loud funny and heart wrenchingly sad and it's a sight to behold. It's a show that hits hard on any occasion you see it but what stuck out like a sore thumb is just how developed the piece had become and the ease of performance for everyone on stage. 

Waitress relies so much on choreography - that's not to say it's dance heavy, more that scenes often rely on ensemble members being in the right place at the right time to manoeuvre set and props in an almost dream-like manner. With the tour reaching its climax in a matter of weeks, this is a group of performers who personify 'slick' and 'rehearsed'. 

In addition to that, the set's construction and its use on stage are almost a choreographed production in their own right and the cast are an integral part of that choreography - and what a cast it is.

Wendy Mae Brown and Evelyn Hoskins take on the roles of Becky and Dawn respectively and command the stage from the moment they step onto it. Waitress, whilst dealing with some very hard-hitting subject matter, is a comedy musical at its heart and both actors have this mastered. The chemistry between them is unique and is a joy to watch and you can see this show means something special to both of them.

David Hunter returns to the show as Dr Pomatter, a role he played in the West End to critical acclaim. For a huge cross section of the show's British audience, Hunter is Dr Pomatter and it's a role he's slipped back into with ease. For some actors, certain roles are like riding a bike - the lines and lyrics never leave them, such is their love for the character and the production.

In my eyes, Pomatter is Hunter's 'bike riding' moment; it's like he's never been away and he gives an exceptional performance that has the audience falling in love with him once again. His charismatic and slightly awkward take on the role defines him as a brilliant character actor who has the audience rooting for him from the moment he dives head first into a Mermaid Marshmallow pie.

However, Chelsea Halfpenny still steals the show from the opening bars. She takes on the lead role of Jenna and is, quite simply, outstanding. So many people have their Jenna; a group of phenomenal performers who have taken on a physically and vocally challenging role over the years. An elite club which Halfpenny has easily won a lifetime membership to this evening.

It's hard to express just how much Halfpenny has made this role her own and, still her performance of 'She Used To Be Mine' remains exceptional. I'd go so far as to say that song is one of the most beautiful pieces written in the genre and Halfpenny's vocals are just magnificent. I don't think it's an overstatement to suggest this is a career-defining part for Chelsea and that opportunity has been grasped with both hands.

Her on-stage chemistry with Hunter is just perfection. It feels like the duo have been performing their roles together for decades and they play off each other with a natural charm.

However what needs to be credited here is the amazing work of the entire cast as a wider ensemble. This is a show that relies on trust and understanding and each person on stage requires so many others to be able to perform their role - and the entire cast performed their hearts out this evening.

It's rare to find a show which deserves its standing ovation as much as this one - and long ay they continue. If a six-star review was a thing, this is where it should be applied.

Waitress plays at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 2nd July. For more information, or to get tickets, head online to grandtheatre.co.uk.