What can I say about Waitress The Musical that hasn’t been said before?
The ground-breaking musical, penned by a female-led creative team, is marking its 10th anniversary after receiving scores of standing ovations in London’s West End and Broadway.
And judging by the audience’s reaction to this latest production debuting on Monday night at Llandudno, it shows no sign of losing its originality and edge.
Waitress tells the story of mum-to-be Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of escaping Joe’s pie diner and achieving some happiness in her and her baby’s life.
When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets even more 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.
Jenna is brought to life by the sensational Carrie Hope Fletcher.
Her raw, dramatic and heartbreaking portrayal of Jenna and her earnest pursuit of happiness are something to behold.
The Venue Cymru audience was moved to tears by Jenna's wish to ignite her pie-making passion passed down from her late mother and her desperate appeal to escape her abusive marriage to blue colour bully Earl, played by the fantastically cold-hearted Mark Willshire.
Fletcher’s version of the song She Used to be Mine was both traumatic and triumphant and won her an opening night ovation.
Her perfectly pitched duet with her nervous new love interest and gynaecologist Dr Potterat played by the wonderfully fun Dan Partridge on It only takes a Taste was just perfect.
Jenna’s sorority sisters, cheerleaders, co-workers and confidantes are brought to life by Sandra Marvin and Evelyn Hoskins.
Marvin is incredible as the irrepressible Becky.
Her bold, no-nonsense performance which saw her get her man Cal was played by the tremendous Dan O’Brien.
Her take on A Soft Place to Land really resonated with the crowd.
Hoskins was fantastic, as was an anxious Dawn.
Her hapless antics and adventures in the dating scene had theatregoers in stitches, particularly with the arrival of her beau, the oddball Ogie, tackled by the wonderful Mark Anderson.
The pair's, shall we say, quirky relationship proved a delight and had people chortling and sniggering throughout.
And, of course, we can’t forget the heart of this homespun tale, diner owner Joe, played by beloved television celebrity Les Dennis.
Joe’s words of wisdom to Jenna, particularly on the song Take it from an old man, left fans teary-eyed.
Sure, Waitress The Musical is sweet in every sense of the word, but it is the cast’s performances, impeccable tone, timing, and delivery that make this version a must-see.
Don't wait to grab yourself a slice of this marvellous musical.
Waitress is at Venue Cymru until August 22.
Share