Bristol Hippodrome – until 12 February 2022
Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock
5*****
Chelsea Halfpenny stars with Matt Willis in the groundbreaking musical Waitress.
Waitress is a stunning show, with a musical score from Sara Bareilles that will make your heart soar and your ears will be blessed. Chelsea Halfpenny as Jenna, the newly pregnant waitress who tries to leave her abusive husband Earl (Tamlyn Henderson) with the help of her best friends Becky and Dawn (Sandra Marvin and Evelyn Hoskins) she undertakes the steps to make her life, and the baby she is carrying’s life better. This is a brilliant piece, with incredible casting.
Chelsea Halfpenny is superb, with not only a brilliantly emotive performance, but a wonderful voice. Peaking with ‘She used to be Mine’, there was not a dry eye in the house. She gave an incredibly deep performance, never faltering for a second. Together with Sandra Marvin and Evelyn Hoskins, this is a wonderful trio. Marvin, with her soulful voice and sassy personality and Hoskins with her sweet and innocent demeanour, this is not one to miss.
Matt Willis as Dr Pomatter, Jenna’s gynaecologist, gives a great performance. With his delightful awkwardness and deep rooted love for Jenna, he excels as well as his smooth and inviting voice. A big shout out to George Crawford as ‘Ogie’ Dawn’s new boyfriend and soon to be husband. He gave an uplifting performance and has such comedic timing that he stole the scenes he was in.
One lovely thing about this show, is that you can see the band on stage and they are integrated with the ensemble, giving a real family feel to this show.
Bristol is lucky to be showing this, don’t miss it!!