Waitress at New Wimbledon Theatre

Pie-lovers unite! The hit musical Waitress is back after a decade with a new cast and production, and kicked off their UK and Ireland tour at the New Wimbledon Theatre. Based on the 2007 film starring Keri Russell and adapted into a musical by Grammy-Award winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, Waitress follows the story of Jenna, a pie-baking waitress (Carrie Hope Fletcher) whose life takes a turn when she discovers that she is pregnant with the child of her selfish and abusive husband. With the support of her fellow waitresses Becky (Sandra Marvin) and Dawn (Evie Hoskins), opinionated patron Joe (Les Dennis) and the romantic interest of the neurotic but charming Dr Pomatter (Dan Partridge), Jenna attempts to rediscover who she is and the type of life she wants to live. 

The set design is brilliantly vibrant and successfully transports the theatre into a diner in the American South. One of the creative quirks of Jenna’s character is her ability to come up with inventive names and ingredients for pies in her mind, and the production does an excellent job of visually capturing this through its utilisation of food props and the choreography of the ensemble cast. Carrie Hope Fletcher shines in the role of Jenna, superbly capturing both the sweetness and sadness of the character. The warmth and cadence of Fletcher’s voice are perfectly suited to the style and tone of the musical pieces. A particular standout is the performance of the song She Used to Be Mine, and Fletcher’s rendition wonderfully conveyed the complexity of emotions within the character and ensured that the sentiment of the lyrics was powerfully felt amongst the audience. Marvin is dynamic as the spirited and encouraging Becky, and Hoskins’s Dawn is delightfully peculiar and a joy to watch. As a trio, their voices combine and complement each other beautifully.

Despite the sophisticated subject matter, with explorations of domestic abuse, unwanted pregnancy, extramarital affairs and loneliness, there is a lightness and geniality to the musical, and so despite the questionable morality of some of the characters’ decisions, one can’t help but want to root for them and their complicated pursuit of happiness. However, at times, the humour borders on being a bit too silly and the stereotyped characterisation of the Hispanic OB/GYN nurse felt outdated and somewhat uncomfortable. Yet, given the reaction and engagement of the theatregoers in the crowd, it is clear that Waitress has continued to be well-loved and appreciated since its debut ten years ago. With limited performances across the UK, this musical treat is one not to miss.

Sunny Morgan
Photo: Johan Persson

Waitress is at New Wimbledon Theatre from 28^th March until 4^th April 2026. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.