We reviewed the current production of 'Waitress earlier in its run. This review is an updated version of a previously published one.
What's always an absolute joy is walking into a theatre to see a show you've seen previously and still being blown away by the story, the soundtrack and the company on stage - and that's the feeling Waitress gives time after time.
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 exemplified by the current UK tour which put the biggest, cheesiest grin on the face of everyone in the theatre this evening.
The important thing to say here is that Waitress is a show about normal people. This story has all of the touch point's you'd expect from any major West End transfer, but it doesn't sell itself on them. There's no high-flying end of act one or flag-waving ensemble moment. Waitress creates its own brand of 'special' - and that's to tell the story of so many people around the world.
In composing the score, Bareilles has constructed something that is just the right mix of laugh-out-loud funny and heart wrenchingly sad. It's perfect in its simplicity and it's a real story about people you can relate to. Everyone has a Jenna, Dawn and Becky in their lives.
First big mention is for the choreography. Almost every facet of what you see on stage is perfectly timed action to music which gives the piece a dream-like quality which is mesmerising to watch.
Bur first and foremost, this is a story about friendship and connection - and that's punctuated by a cast with the most incredible chemistry.
Sandra Marvin and Evelyn Hoskins are back in the roles they belong in and their love for Becky and Dawn is clear to see. Having portrayed the ladies in both the West End production of the show and the last UK tour, their performances this evening further emphasise why they are the perfect fit.
Both know their characters inside out and their comic timing is exquisite - in particular, Hoskins' scenes with Mark Anderson's 'Ogie' are a joy and laugh-out-loud funny.
Dan Partridge continues to shine as Dr Pomatter - a role he's clearly settled into and is clearly loving. Bringing incredible comic timing and a loveable quality, teamed that with a strong vocal and a phenomenal chemistry with Jenna and you know you're on to a good thing.
However, once again, we need to take a moment to discuss Carrie Hope Fletcher's portrayal of Jenna Hunterson - which continues to be outstanding.
What I do want to make clear is that, especially in Waitress, the role of Jenna is incredibly reliant on camraderie and chemistry with the other performers on stage. I need to believe that her relationship with Earl is abusive. I need to trust that Dawn and Becky are her emotional support blanket and I need to know that good will triumph in the end.
Fletcher is a once in a generation performer. I'm not sure if it's her maternal instinct or her to-die-for CV having given her a solid training ground, but she is in exactly the right place to play this role - and that's tangible.
Waitress is a whirlwind of emotions for the audience, so I can only imagine what it's like to perform! However, leading a unit which has each others back, Fletcher gives her all to her performance and the audience lover her for it.
The stand out moment of the evening was her performance of 'She Used To Be Mine' which was gut wrenching. You could hear the cracks in the vocal and that song should never be performed any other way. The ovation that followed was thoroughly deserved, louder than previous performances and the audience in Wolverhampton were in awe.
However what needs to be credited here is the amazing work of the entire cast.. Carrie's performance is only what it is because of the support, and connection with Marvin and Hoskins as well as the wider ensemble. This is honestly the tightest, best cast company I've seen in a LONG time and I could watch this production over and over without getting bored.
Waitress 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.
Waitress plays at Wolverhampton Grand until Saturday 6th June. For more information, or to get tickets, head online to grandtheatre.co.uk.
