★★★★✩
Based on the 2007 movie, Waitress has become a much loved musical since it first debuted in 2015, with music by Grammy award winning Sara Bareilles. This 10th anniversary UK tour is our first visit to Joe's Pie Diner in the American Deep South, so naturally we were keen to see how this show has become so beloved by fans of the genre.
The story centres on Jenna (Carrie Hope Fletcher) who is sadly not leading her best life and uses her skills at pie making to distract her from an abusive marriage to her husband Earl (Mark Willshire). Life gets further complicated when Jenna finds out she is pregnant. Whilst attending a gynaecology appointment, she meets handsome Dr. Pomatter (Dan Partridge) and leaves him with one of her famous pies, which of course he loves. Old Joe (Les Dennis), owner of the diner, tells Jenna of a Pie Baking competition where the winner will get $20,000. Jenna tells her fellow waitresses Dawn (Evelyn Hoskins) and Becky (Sandra Marvin) that she will enter the competition and use the winnings to leave Earl and raise the baby herself. Meanwhile it seems that Dr. Pomatter may have an interest in more than Jenna's pies...
Director Diane Paulus has delivered a slick production, aided by a versatile set by Scott Pask which incorporates the six strong band, under the assured leadership of musical director Francesca Warren. Sara Bareilles songs could well be released as NOW That's What A Call A Song About A Pie. She does diversify along the way, and its a pop and power ballad smorgasbord. There were no immediate earworms we walked out of the theatre humming, but the score is sure to be a grower.
Leading the charge in the cast is Carrie Hope Fletcher, musical golden girl and social media darling for teenage girls. As usual there are no dramatic highs and lows, Fletcher finds a comfortable through line and sticks to it. Her angelic voice raises up her game, and her rendition of 'She Used To Be Mine' receives the biggest ovation of the night. She is supported by the simply marvellous Sandra Marvin and Evie Hoskins as fellow waitresses Becky and Dawn. Both returning to the show, and worth their weight in pies. Dan Partridge brings Dr. Pomatter to life, dueting nicely with Fletcher and serving a genuinely welcome slice of romance for Jenna. Les Dennis contributes his special magic sparkle to Old Joe, curmudgeon owner of the diner and delivers his solo moment 'Take It From An Old Man' with style. Mark Anderson as tax inspector Ogie, suitor for the hand of Dawn, proves himself to be a crowd favourite with his eccentric courting rituals. It is a strong ensemble all round, which finds the comedy and occasionally some pathos. Mark Willshire handles the role of the odious Earl well, making us loathe him and there are big cheers when the worm turns and he is handed his marching orders.
Its a sweet rom-com, which we enjoyed enormously. As much for the performances as for the story and songs if we are honest. Its easy to see why Waitress has developed a strong following, its a tale of good triumphing over bad and never giving up on your dreams. Universal themes which continue to dominate musical theatre. If you have an appetite for musical theatre, Waitress will leave you more than satisfied.
Rob & Ian
Further listening:
It can only be the 2016 original Broadway cast recording with Jessie Mueller and Keala Settle
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