Waitress The Musical At Leeds Grand Theatre Review

Last night I went to see ‘Waitress – The Musical’ at the stunning Leeds Grand Theatre. As a fan of musicals, it was refreshing and exciting to be heading to a show I knew absolutely nothing about. And what an experience. I loved it.

Adapted from the cult 2007 indie film of the same name (one that’s completely passed me by), ‘Waitress’ tells a story through the eyes of Jenna – a pie-making extraordinaire who works in an American diner and is trapped in an abusive marriage to a husband who claims all of her tips. The scene is set with the song ‘The Negative’ where Jenna finds out there’s something other than one of her spectacular pies in the oven. 

A baking competition and the town’s new doctor seem to offer Jenna a chance of a new life, whilst her two fellow waitress friends serve up subplots as they both search for the recipe to their own happiness.

The story is easy to follow with plenty of action and clever choreography, in particularly the dreamlike moments where Jenna concocts winning recipes not only for her much-loved pies but to explain her situations, with people, objects and feelings making up the ingredients. It’s about pie. You can take the girl out of Wigan… what’s not to like!

The show’s country-rock style score written by Grammy award-winning American Singer Sara Bareilles is completely enjoyable. The lyrics successfully convey the story, however, many of the songs are forgettable. That’s not to say there weren’t some powerful performances, there were. The songs aren’t particularly catchy but they do showcase the talent in this production and they do tell a terrific tale. 

It was nice to see the band on stage; almost situated as if they were playing in Joe’s Diner itself. As the show started I was worried the lyrics would be lost as the loud music seemed to overpower the voices but come song three, I was proved wrong. I think my ears just took a little time settling in. 

The story’s characters all have their flaws; there’s something about all of them to dislike. But the success of this show comes as the cast succeeds in getting the audience to warm to the characters and deem them likeable, despite them being morally compromised.

What I enjoyed most about this production was the performances from cast members who blew my unjust stereotyping of them out of the water. I couldn’t believe this super-talented man on stage playing Diner Owner Joe was Sinbad from Brookside. I know he’s an Actor but Michael Starke did an amazing job portraying the story’s unlikely Fairy Godfather. And it was actually his touching performance that made ‘Take it from an Old Man‘ the most memorable song of the show; it genuinely warmed my heart. It was also Starke’s contribution that saw the formation of a tear in my eye. Had you asked me in the interval whether this musical would pull on my heartstrings, I would have offered up of a strong ‘no’. How wrong I was. 

Matt Willis of ‘Busted’ fame as the awkward, frequently flustered Doctor Pomatter was a natural to the role. (editor’s note – this has been edited) I do apologise Matt. His duets with Lucie Jones,  playing Jenna, perfectly captured a developing, hesitant, guilty passion. The number, ‘It Only Takes a Taste’ not only explains the pair’s instant attraction but draws you in. Their touching performances see you supporting their secret affair. I remember Jones from her X-Factor days. She won the heart of the nation back in 2009 and set mine all a flutter last night. Gorgeous voice. 

The acting ability as well as the vocal talent of the two leads really shines through as they’re tasked and succeed in giving both humorous and tender performances, as they move from the illicit hook-ups staged against ‘Bad Idea‘ to the doting scenes ‘You Matter To Me’ demands. Cracking chemistry. 

And that chemistry has certainly saturated the cast with it clearly evident throughout, particulary in the solidarity shown between Jenna and her fellow waitresses Becky and Dawn. 

Sandra Marvin as Becky is sensational at sass, with perfect comic timing and delivery of some hilarious one-liners. Plus, this is a lady with some serious lungs. 

Then there’s Dawn, the sweet and quietly eccentric one, who’s played with lashings of bubblegum gousto by Evelyn Hoskins. The three characters and indeed actresses are the epitome of formidable, female friendship. You just want to climb on stage and add an extra pair of arms to their hugs. 

‘Waitress’ has an underlying storyline of domestic abuse, teamed with adultry. Serious stuff. But somehow it succeeds in giving the seriousness the acknowledgement it deserves, intertwining it with real comic moments. I guess it reflects real-life and perhaps that’s why I and so many others, get it. S**t (editor’s note – word edited) happens but we all strive for and relish in the fun moments. 

The only character that left me in a bit of a quandary was Earl, Jenna’s abusive husband. Tamlyn Henderson plays him with conviction but his seemingly sweet, comic interludes are overshadowed by his portrayal of a horrid abuser. He’s one character the audience can’t forgive for his mistakes and the one where unlike with the others, we can’t see past his faults. And rightly so. I felt a little sorry for Henderson as when the cast received their applause at the end of the evening’s performance, when it came to him, they seemed confused as to whether they should boo the baddie or cheer the actor’s performance, resulting in an awkward silence breaking up rapturous applause. I applaud you now Henderson. You did a great job in an awkward role. 

One Actor I have a lot of love for is George Crawford who plays the geeky, poetry-spouting, war re-enactment fan, Ogie – Waitress Dawn’s at first unwelcome love interest. Crawford works his genius in making his creepy, stalker lyrics cute. Ogie only eats white food on Wednesdays, really loves his Mum and finally woos Dawn over a shared dislike of having whipped cream touching pie. Being a geek was definitely a cool move for Crawford. The audience loved him.

The supporting cast, chorus and house band upheld the excellent consistency, and the simple yet versatile set, switching from widescreen Diner to Jenna’s oppressive home worked well. 

‘Waitress’ is a personal story that celebrates friendship; its delicate recipe of realism with a good sprinkling of fantasy, mixed with a sentimental scoop of motherhood, cooks up a real treat. I love a happy ending. And it’s one that will appeal to Mums. And Dads. You’ll come out of the theatre with a smile (albeit with a tear stain down your cheek). Unexpectedly emotional; you should definitely get yourself a piece of this deliciously good musical.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Waitress is on at Leeds Grand Theatre until 18th September with tickets priced between £20.50 & £49. Tickets and venue information @ https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/waitress/

Leeds Grand is situated in the heart of the city easily accessible by public transport and with plenty of car parking near by.

The Grand Theatre opened in 1878 and has been entertaining  people ever since. With a wide programme, from musicals to stand-up, opera to drama and ballet to family shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Find out more about Waitress The Musical, its UK tour and get tickets @ https://www.waitressthemusical.co.uk