The much anticipated musical Waitress arrived at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre last night, and completely wowed the audience, with the cast receiving a standing ovation. Based on the Adrienne Shelly much loved cult movie of the same name, Waitress is by turn, funny, sad, bittersweet and poignant, and despite being full of cakes, pies and baking, it is never sickly sweet. Waitress is the sweetest of desserts, but with the bite of a dash of chilli thrown in for good measure.

Jenna works at Joe’s Pie Diner, creating wonderful new pies and desserts every day, using recipes she learnt with her mother as a way to escape an abusive father. But when she finds out she has a bun in the oven of her own, with her wastrel husband Earl, Jenna’s life is turned upside down. She’s not happy about the pregnancy, but then she meets her new doctor and things get even more complicated. Perhaps entering the Springfield Pie competition could be a way out of everything. But life has a way of throwing curve balls when least expected, and Jenna’s best laid plans are destined to go a completely different route.

As Jenna, Chelsea Halfpenny is a revelation. She is born for this role, bringing just the right amount of sadness and optimism to the complex character. She is also one hell of a vocalist, with her performance of the heartbreaking ‘She used to be mine’ that is absolutely breathtaking. She is ably supported by the men in her life, the wonderfully goofy Dr Pomatter, who David Hunter makes lovable and appealing with some amazing physical comedy, and Tamlyn Henderson as the oafish Earl, who makes what could be a one dimensional character more complex, particularly in the scene where he finds the hidden money. Jenna also has a wonderful relationship with Joe, who is just hilariously played by Michael Starke, with lots of totally inappropriate one liners that make the audience laugh out loud.

And then we have Becky and Dawn. A lot of the story at the heart of Waitress is friendship, and Jenna has two of the best in Becky and Dawn. Wendy Mae Brown, last seen wowing in Ghost, is just brilliant as the sassy, wisecracking Becky, hiding a few sexy secrets of her own with the always gruff Cal (Christopher D. Hunt – great!). This is another chemistry that just sizzles. Lonely Dawn, as played by Evelyn Hoskins, is funny and lovely, and you are so rooting for her to find love. When she meets Ogie, played by the fantastic George Crawford, the stage is set for laughs galore, but all with the biggest smile on your face too. A mention must also be given to Nurse Norma, who is involved in some of the funniest scenes at the doctors surgery, as played by Scarlett Gabriel, she calls to mind the great wise cracking broads of the screwball comedy era.

Waitress is perfect in every way. The staging and set is incredible, moving you from the diner, to the doctors surgery to Jenna’s home seamlessly. The musical score by Sara Bareilles is witty and poignant in equal measures and has no weak moments, this is all thriller no filler. Having a live band on stage is also a brilliant touch that highlights that you are watching something really special.

Waitress is a wonderful slice of life without the cherry on top. It is just sublime.

WAITRESS

29 Jun–02 Jul 2022

Click here for ticket information

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