Waitress recently finished a successful, four year run on Broadway. The West End production (which has been running for a year at the Adelphi Theatre) has done well, with several cast changes every few months to keep things different and entice fans of the show back for another trip to the diner.
Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams her way out of a loveless marriage. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness.
Now, for a limited six weeks, Grammy award winning Singer/Songwriter Sara Bareilles joins the production alongside Gavin Creel, giving Lucie Jones and David Hunter some time off from the show.
It is lovely to see Sara play the part of Jenna, because the songs are her words – she wrote them. She plays the part well and as a multi-award-winning song writer and performer, her voice is obviously great.
Sara has had a very successful music career in America but is she a name brits will recognise? I’m not sure. Waitress has survived over the last year since opening, with its strong West End fan base and perhaps a more well known UK name like Kerry Ellis would have worked better to bring in the punters.
Broadway and West End performer Gavin Creel has also been brought in for a short stint in the show, alongside Sara. Gavin opened the London production of The Book Of Mormon and recently starred alongside Bette Midler in Hello Dolly! on Broadway. He is a great Dr Pomatter but again, was it necessary to bring him in to the production for a short stint? Probably not.
Evelyn Hoskins is a new addition to the show as Dawn, as is Joel Montague as Ogie. Evelyn is perfect for the role of geeky waitress and smashes her songs out of the park with ease. Joel compliments Evie and the pair are a force to be reckoned with. Joel sings and acts the comedy part to perfection.
Returning to the role of Becky is Marisha Wallace, who I have reviewed before but her performance is so incredible it deserves to be mentioned again!
If you’ve not seen it, Waitress is well worth a visit before it closes in July to make way for Hello Dolly! starring Imelda Staunton. You have until 7 March if you want to catch Sara and Gavin in the show.
Reviewed by West End Wilma
Click here for tickets to Waitress
