INTERVIEW | WENDY MAE BROWN, WAITRESS UK TOUR
Soon it'll be time to close the diner (hopefully not for too long) as Waitress completes its extensive UK Tour. So it's only right that before the musical that is "Hilarious, heart-breaking, life-affirming" finishes, I chat with one of the cast members behind it. Wendy Mae Brown joined the cast of Waitress along with David Hunter in early 2022. Previous West End show credits include The Book of Dust and The Lorax, I got the opportunity to chat with her about the role of Becky.
Wendy May Brown's love for theatre began when she was a child "I was quite a hyperactive child so my mum sent me to Saturday dances at Italia Conti Stage School. I absolutely loved it." She went on to spend a lot of her childhood dancing here until she was 17. The path for Wendy to pursue this sector professionally came from having "2 offers, 1 panto and another dance contract in Spain. I was very lucky".
Waitress has grown a huge following since it came to the West End in 2019. With a book by Jessie Nelson and with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, it tells the story of Jenna Hunterson. She is a baker and a waitress in an abusive relationship with her husband Earl. She unexpectedly falls pregnant. Jenna begins an affair with her doctor, Dr. Jim Pomatter. She looks for ways out of her troubles, she sees a pie baking contest and its grand prize as her chance to begin a new life.
READ: Waitress UK Tour Review ★★★★★
Becky spoke about what it is like to be a part of this show. "People kept mentioning the show to me and saying's there's a great role in the show for you. I was so busy I just put it to the back of my mind. So, when they asked me to audition for it I was absolutely thrilled". Wendy plays Becky one of the 3 waitresses in the musical and one of Jenna's friends. Wendy describes her as "older, wiser and the sassiest! She's caring for her sick husband but you'd never know it by her comedic take on life".
Waitress is a musical known for touching on the themes of empowerment, friendship, and love. One moment where this really resonates for Wendy May Brown is in the song 'A Soft Place To Land'. "When the three women come together to seemingly bake a pie, all of their fears come out through the song".
The UK tour will finish in Norwich on the 20 August (there is still time to see it!). Becky May Brown has had a great career in theatre. "I'm an old hand at this touring lark! This is about my 12th tour as a performer. Basically, stay well, treat the show as your priority. Too much partying will really show in your performance. Stay true to you". Along the tour Becky has had many unforgettable moments but one sticks with her the most. "A little girl singing Becky's number 'I Didn't Plan It' at the stage door. The wonderful audiences, the ones in Dublin and Glasgow stand out for me". I asked Becky which other character would she play if she could, "Dawn, just to let out my inner geek. I'm always the sassy black momma!"
WATCH: Q&A Evelyn Hoskins, Waitress UK Tour
Waitress is currently performing in Nottingham until 23 July. After that, it'll head to Bradford and Canterbury. For those who haven't seen Waitress and will see the show for the first time before the tour ends, you can expect a "very colourful show, like being in some kind of Willy Wonka fantasy! (it's most definitely NOT for children though!). It also touches on some domestic issues that the audiences never see coming. It's a most unusual show".
If you'd like to book tickets for Waitress then head over to this website.