Waitress is one of those rare musicals that has you laughing out loud one moment before quietly reaching for a tissue the next. By the time the final curtain falls, you’ll feel as though you’ve experienced every emotion imaginable.
From the moment the curtain rises, it’s clear this is about far more than pie. Beneath the witty dialogue, memorable songs and relatable characters is a story about friendship, resilience and seeing people’s worth. It is hilarious, heartfelt and uplifting in equal measure.
Carrie Hope Fletcher is outstanding as Jenna. Her performance is warm, vulnerable and utterly believable, drawing the audience into Jenna’s world from the very beginning.
The emotional highlight of the evening comes during her stunning performance of She Used to Be Mine. The entire theatre seemed completely absorbed in the moment before the final note was met with heartfelt applause. It was one of those magical theatre moments that reminds you just how powerful live theatre can be.
One of the production’s greatest strengths is the friendship between Jenna, Becky and Dawn. Carrie Hope Fletcher, Sandra Marvin and Evelyn Hoskins share a chemistry that feels completely natural. They are genuinely funny, believable as close friends and fantastic characters in their own right. Their perfectly timed comic moments had the audience laughing throughout, but it is their unwavering friendship that gives the production so much of its heart.
Sandra Marvin and Evelyn Hoskins are excellent throughout, while Les Dennis brings warmth and sincerity to Joe. Dan Partridge is equally likeable as Dr Pomatter, completing a cast that feels perfectly suited to their roles.
The humour is one of Waitress’ greatest strengths. Perfectly timed comic moments keep the audience laughing throughout the evening, while Jenna’s imaginative pie names are a delightful touch, adding to the show’s warmth and charm.
The production is polished throughout, with a cleverly designed set allowing the story to move effortlessly from one scene to the next without interrupting its flow.
There are also moments that will resonate deeply with parents. The production captures that overwhelming feeling of looking into your baby’s eyes for the first time and suddenly seeing the world differently. It is portrayed with such honesty that it stayed with me long after the performance had ended.
What stayed with us the most, however, was the musical’s gentle reminder about seeing people’s worth. Through friendship, kindness and encouragement, Waitress quietly shows how powerful it can be when someone believes in us, often before we believe in ourselves. It is a beautifully understated message that stayed with me long after leaving the theatre.
Whether you’re a lifelong musical theatre fan or simply looking for a fantastic evening out, Waitress is a production that deserves to be seen. It will make you laugh, it may bring a tear to your eye and it will almost certainly leave you with a smile on your face all the way home.
Waitress is at the Regent Theatre until Saturday 11 July 2026.
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