The UK tour of Waitress opened at the New Wimbledon Theatre last night, and what an uplifting, heartfelt evening it proved to be. From the moment the curtains rose on Joe’s Pie Shop — the audience was instantly transported into Jenna’s world of flour‑dusted hope and heartbreak.

Carrie Hope Fletcher leads the company as Jenna, the gifted pie‑maker whose inventive creations punctuate the story as much as they delight the diner’s regulars. Fletcher brings warmth, wit, and a quiet emotional depth to the character, an excellent casting for this role.

She is joined by Sandra Marvin as Becky and Evelyn Hoskins as Dawn — a trio so well‑matched it’s hard to imagine the show without their chemistry. Each brings distinct quirks and comic rhythms, yet together, they form a believable, tender friendship that carries the narrative through its darker turns.

The score, written by Sara Bareilles, is modern and full of variety, I’ve already added the soundtrack to my playlist! Several numbers drew audible appreciation, but it was Fletcher’s rendition of She Used to Be Mine that stopped the evening in its tracks. The resulting ovation that followed was one of the longest and most heartfelt that I have seen in some time.

Dan Partridge’s endearingly awkward Dr. Pomatter and Mark Anderson’s Ogie add a welcome dose of eccentricity, their performances landing with charm rather than caricature. Mark Willshire brings a chilling edge to Earl, with his abusive arrogance, immediately setting him apart from the other characters and firmly establishing him as the show’s antagonist.

The ensemble and orchestra delivered with precision and energy, ensuring there wasn’t
a weak link anywhere on stage. The result is a production that balances humour, heartache, and hope with impressive ease.

While Waitress is largely a feel‑good musical, it does explore themes of domestic abuse and infidelity and features some strong language and sexual innuendo, so parental discretion is advised for younger theatregoers

Overall, it was a beautifully performed evening — and an incredible start to the tour.

Reviewed by Alexa Gardner.

Five Stars

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/waitress/new-wimbledon-theatre/