Waitress

A Broadway and West End sensation, Waitress finally makes it to the Manchester Opera House. Jenna, a waitress in Joe’s diner, falls pregnant by her abusive husband and finds love with her gynaecologist; and she makes pies – amazing pies – a different special every day. The story may be light but this show packs a punch with humour, perfect harmonies and a talented cast.

Slickly directed by Diane Paulus and cleverly choreographed by Lorin Latarro (especially the delicate shadowing moments of the ensemble), every moment is a gem. Sarah Bareilles’s songs have you in hysterics one minute (Never Ever Getting Rid of Me) and tears the next with the hauntingly beautiful She Used to Be Mine. Lucie Jones leads as Jenna with a powerful voice and lovable personality, ensuring Jenna is genuinely cared for by the audience. Matt Jay-Willis is the slightly bumbling love-struck Dr. Pomatter and Sandra Marvin (Becky) plays the humour to a T, making the most of every second on stage. George Crawford (Ogie) and Evelyn Hoskins (Dawn) are perfectly cast as the oddball lovers.

We saw the musical in London a few years ago; this touring production exceeds expectations, seems even funnier than the first time around and is guaranteed to get you on your feet. As homely as chicken pot pie, perky as pumpkin pie and deliciously sweet as cherry meringue pie, Waitress serves up an evening of gloriously premium delights.

Opera House: Nov 8th – 20th 2021

Dean and Garry Thomas-Lowde for Canal St Media

Details and tickets here

Published: 10-Nov-2021 (6407)