Southampton Mayflower – until 28th May 2022
Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock
5*****
Chelsea Halfpenny and Matt Willis astound in the perfect pick me up musical ‘Waitress’.
Sara Bareilles musical score is well known and from this cast is performed with such raw emotion and heart, that you will not leave the auditorium dry eyed! Chelsea Halfpenny as Jenna, the waitress of a pie shop who discovers she is expecting a baby with her abusive husband Earl (Tamlyn Henderson), excels and is the perfect casting for this show. The emotion that was put into the performance was incredible and left me with a tear through the whole of Act 2. She was completely loveable and the audience were truly taken by her. A tour de force, she showcased incredible vocals and was exquisite during the highly anticipated ‘She used to be Mine’. When faced with her dreamy gynaecologist who she embarks upon an affair with, Dr Pomatter (Matt Willis) this pairing was stupendous. The two had the perfect chemistry, mixed with nervous energy and passion, they carried the show perfectly. Willis had incredible stage presence and during ‘You Matter to Me’ filled the stage with his soaring singing.
Wendy Mae Brown and Evelyn Hoskins as Becky and Dawn, Jenna’s best friends, created a perfect harmony both in song and stage. Hoskins showed a sweet and awkward demeanour that blossomed as the show unfolded, giving us the perfect coming of age performance. Wendy Mae Brown as Becky, was an incredibly sassy and soulful character with her highlight being ‘I didn’t plan it’. This was superb, with her effortless riffs and ability blowing the audience away. George Crawford as ‘Ogie’ Dawn’s new boyfriend and soon to be husband managed to steal his scenes, giving an uplifting performance with such comedic timing that the audience couldn’t help but love him. During ‘Never ever getting rid of me’, the first time we meet Ogie, we were completely taken by him, making Crawford a stand out in our minds.
Every member of this cast is fabulous, with Micheal Starke, Scarlet Gabriel and Christopher D Hunt as Joe, Nurse Norma and Cal were the perfect support to provide depth, sass and humour to the show.
The other fabulous thing about this show is the integration of the band on stage with the characters, so we were able to appreciate the music fully. This is a truly expert piece, that should not be missed.
Make sure you make it to the diner and find out what’s inside this show, you will not be disappointed and will want to come back for another slice!