Hull New Theatre – until 5th September 2026
Reviewed by Dawn Bennett
5*****
When you mix a fabulous story, great music, a very talented cast and an appreciative audience you get the brilliant show that is Waitress.
This was my second time seeing the show, and it was every bit as enjoyable as the first. It is funny and heartwarming, with poignant moments that add real depth.
Jenna (Emma Lucia) works as a waitress in a pie diner, where she dreams of escaping her abusive husband, Earl (Mark Willshire). When she discovers she is pregnant, however, that hope begins to feel out of reach. Diner owner Joe (Dan O’Brien) encourages her to enter a pie-making contest with a $20,000 prize, offering Jenna a possible route to independence if she can win.
At the diner, Jenna’s colleagues Becky (Bernadette Bangura) and Dawn (Evie Hoskins) urge her to see that she does not need to win the contest to leave Earl; they are ready to help and support her. Jenna, however, remains unconvinced. Meanwhile, diner boss Cal (Will Arundell) is far less sympathetic: he simply needs his waitresses to get on with waitressing.
When Jenna visits Dr Pomatter (Dan Partridge), there is an instant attraction that complicates her life even further. Add in Dawn’s new boyfriend, Ogie (Mark Anderson), and Becky’s own relationship challenges, and the result is a series of very funny scenes.
The whole cast are strong performers, with outstanding singing, acting, and dancing throughout. The talented musicians, led by musical director Francesca Warren, performed onstage and added real energy, helping to bring the production vividly to life.
The set design by Scott Pask and lighting design by Ken Billington were among the best I have seen. The stage moved effortlessly from Joe’s Diner to Dr Pomatter’s office and then to Jenna and Earl’s house, creating a strong sense of atmosphere. It was cleverly designed and beautifully executed.
With an excellent production and a fabulous cast, Waitress is a show well worth seeing.