REVIEW | Waitress The Musical UK Tour
WAITRESS (UK TOUR)
Curve, Leicester
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This typical tale of a small-town girl with even bigger dreams has been adored by audiences on Broadway as well as during its West End transfer in 2019. The pandemic put the curtain down on the show before its official closing night so it is a delight that it's back on the stage. Now it's heading across the country in a UK tour, delighting audiences at a time when they need something with all of the right ingredients to dig their teeth into.
Waitress The Musical is a show that enthrals from start to finish; a genius score, a multi-themed show and characters that will capture your heart.
Waitress follows pie-maker Jenna who is trapped in an abusive marriage and works in a local diner. She yearns for bigger things from her life and dreams of one day owning her own diner. Jenna is trapped in a cycle of discontent and resigned to what she has, things change when she finds out she is pregnant and falls for the charming Dr Pomatter. Helped by her close friends Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the obstacles to realise her true potential. The book by Jessie Nelson based on the 2007 film of the same name, does a superb job at delving into some serious issues with a light-hearted and un-confrontational matter, sprinkling comedy throughout. There are some great layers in the build-up of this wonderful musical that is executed with great effect. It was a wonderful moment to experience an audience erupt into laughter.
This production is visually brilliant and the ensemble does a fantastic job at enhancing specific parts of the story thanks to Lorin Latarros choreography. The score is gorgeous throughout, there isn't a song that doesn't miss the mark. I mean when someone like Sara Bareilles has written the score, you know her skill for catchy lyrics and melody will execute music with heart. There is something so enjoyable about being able to watch Jenna craft her pies with ingredients on stage too.
Leading the production as Jenna was understudy Aimée Fisher. Her entire portrayal of Jenna is simply stunning. Fisher stepped into the leading lady shoes with ease, especially so when she takes on her two big solo numbers in the show. 'What Baking Can Do' and 'She Used To Be Mine' enabled her to shine and I could watch the show over and over again, *just* for her outstanding performance alone.
Alongside Fisher comes Evelyn Hoskins as Dawn and Sandra Marvin who put on delightful performances. They know exactly how to play their roles and live for every moment that they are portraying these characters. They both have a natural ability to carry the comedy of this show.
Busted fans will love that Matt Jay-Willis does well as Dr Pomatter, I definitely felt the swooning over him from the audience. He compliments Aimée Fisher perfectly, especially when they sing 'Bad Idea'. The audience (as well as I) fell in love with the fantastic Ogie, played by George Crawford. Crawford did a great job at bringing this eccentric and unforgettable character to life. Although collectively the entire cast does a fantastic job at contributing their ingredient to make the perfect pie - Waitress The Musical.
I waited for a long time to see this musical and I was not disappointed. If you are after the ingredients for something to put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart - Waitress is the recipe!
