A DELICIOUS SLICE OF FIVE STAR MUSICAL PIE! - A WAITRESS UK TOUR 2026 REVIEW *****

This afternoon I was lucky enough to see a matinee performance of the UK touring production of Waitress at the newly rebranded ‘Woking Theatre’ — it’s been 5 years since I first saw Waitress, but would it feel the same seeing it five years later? — I will tell you in this review.

Waitress is a musical comedy-drama that follows the story of Jenna, a waitress in a pie diner, who suddenly finds herself pregnant, trapped in an abusive marriage and tangled up in a secret romance. Her friends guide her through, proving that true friendship is the strongest constant in life and that even the darkest times can be overcome.

Sandra Marvin (Becky), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Jenna), Evelyn Hoskins (Dawn) - Photo: Matt Crockett

Sara Bareilles wrote the music for the show, and each song is such an easy listen. The score is banger after banger, which is pleasing to listen to and drives the story forward all the while. Bareilles’ musical genius will have you laughing, crying and everything in between.

This is the same production I saw back in 2021 on the previous tour with Lucie Jones and Matt Willis in the leading roles, which I do believe to be the original production. Diane Paulus’ direction and Lorin Latarro’s direction and choreography (respectively) remain poignant 10 years after its premiere in April 2016. I love the way this musical just flows, and that is mostly down to the direction and choreography — it’s such a visually enjoyable piece too, which also commends Scott Pask’s set design. I am consistently mesmerised by the sky on the backdrop. So that’s another win from me!

Carrie Hope Fletcher (Jenna) - Photo: Matt Crockett

Carrie Hope Fletcher makes yet another star turn in the leading role of Jenna. As previously mentioned, Jenna goes through some great turmoil throughout the show and covers some difficult topics. Fletcher’s performance in these moments was nothing short of beautiful. Her sensitive approach and experienced acting chops make for a spectacular portrayal of this role, which is ultimately unmissable. Not only did Carrie Hope Fletcher’s Jenna leave me (and much of the audience around me) in a blubbering flood of tears, she also brought incredible vocals to the mix. I will never forget watching Fletcher perform ‘She Used to Be Mine’, ending in a rapturous and very well-deserved applause. Do not miss your chance to see Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna — you will regret it!

Doctor Pomatter was played by Dan Partridge. I have been lucky enough to see Partridge in the role of Danny Zuko a number of times, but to see him take on something more mature and awkward was exciting. I really enjoyed the natural charisma and slight awkwardness that Dan Partridge brought to this role, and his chemistry with Fletcher was also very natural, bringing a smile to my face.

Dan Partridge (Dr. Pomatter), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Jenna) - Photo: Matt Crockett

Sandra Marvin and Evelyn Hoskins return to their roles of Becky and Dawn. Marvin brings her powerhouse vocals to the number ‘I Didn’t Plan It’. I am always left with my jaw on the floor watching Sandra Marvin perform a big song like that; her portrayal of Becky is fun, feisty and sassy — everything you want in a best friend to Jenna. Seeing Evelyn Hoskins as Dawn once again was a delight. I adore the way she brings quirks and silliness to an already hilarious character — having seen her do this role twice now, I truly believe it was made for her. Hoskins has impeccable comedic timing and had the audience howling with laughter throughout the show.

Evelyn Hoskins (Dawn), Mark Anderson (Ogie) - Photo: Matt Crockett

Matching Dawn’s quirkiness was Mark Anderson’s Ogie. I don’t think I have laughed this much in a long time. I thought that Anderson had endless amounts of energy and brought the goofiness that the character of Ogie deserves — another one of many standout performances that makes this show hard not to love!

Les Dennis (Old Joe) - Photo: Matt Crockett

Popular entertainer, Les Dennis, brings the character of Joe to life. I forgot how large this character was within the plot of the show, and Dennis made him unforgettable. From his paternal heart to his stern and precise requests, I thought that Les Dennis gave this role his own spark and left the audience wishing that Joe had been more heavily featured.

Completing the cast, of course, is a strong ensemble of performers in various roles, with Mark Willshire playing Jenna’s husband Earl, who did a great job at making him so heavily dislikeable. The ensemble were always busy in Waitress, whether that was moving furniture or telling their own stories within the background of the diner. I noticed a lot more that they were doing this time, particularly during ‘What Baking Can Do’, and I thought I would remind you to always watch the ensemble to get even more storytelling. They beautifully execute the choreography and harmonise well on any vocals too.

From giggles to tears to smiles, Waitress is truly an uplifting piece of theatre. I left feeling positive, upbeat and happy seeing Jenna go from struggle to strength and having a few laughs along the way — I cannot recommend this show enough as a mega feel-good musical. Bareilles’ gorgeous music, an outstanding cast and a hearty story make Waitress the success that it is, and I for one hope that this show runs and runs the way it deserves. Having seen it five years ago, I felt so much more connected this time around and felt the emotions tenfold.

Waitress UK Tour Company 2026 - Photo: Matt Crockett

If you want to find out what baking can do, grab yourself a slice of five-star musical pie and get yourself to the Woking Theatre — Waitress runs until Sat 25th, with tickets available here. If you’re not in Woking, don’t worry — you can see this show on the rest of its UK tour by clicking here.

Have you seen Waitress on tour? Let me know what you thought of it — robbiesbackstagebants@gmail.com

22nd April 2026 

Robbie Davies | Robbie’s Backstage Bants