Tonight’s review comes from Blackpool Winter Gardens and viewing the tour of Waitress starring Les Dennis as Old Joe and Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna.
Jenna is a waitress in Joe’s cafe that sells 27 pies, all of which are of Jenna’s creation influenced by her mother. She is the cog in so many people’s lives that people go to for advice and a slice of the daily special. However, behind closed doors Jenna is trapped in an abusive relationship with her husband Earl (Mark Willshire) who takes her money and mentally manipulates her. Jenna often day dreams of a better life and makes up pie names in the process. As the show develops she becomes sick and after a pregnancy test it becomes positive. She’s unsure what to do about the baby especially as home life isn’t the perfect place to bring up a baby. So decides to enter a pie making competition to start a new life is she wins.
She’s supported by her close friends Becky (Sandra Marvin) who is to the point with everyone and likes to push the buttons on certain folk. A great contrast to the ever so shy and geeky Dawn (Evelyn Hoskins) a girl who loves battles re-enactments who wants to find love.
Having knowing nothing at all about the musical Waitress I had entered it with an opened mind. This show has laughter, perfected comedy timing as well as heart. The audience rallied round Jenna and backed her at every opportunity. I particularly enjoyed the movement choreography to add to any moment of thought Jenna was having with certain scenes. The comedy relief supplied by Dr Pomatter (Dan Partridge) who love his heart hadn’t had pie for many years until Jenna supplied him with her childhood inspired mermaid pie. Along with Ogie (Mark Anderson) whose impromptu poetry had everyone both laughing and hanging on to every word. The company as a whole were brilliant and had impeccable comic timing. Whether you have the named actor/actress or a swing you’d sure be in for a laugh. They made Blackpool feel included and equally Blackpool made Waitress feel welcome writhing the seaside destination.
Go see this company and show while you can. It’s on until the 18th at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/
Reviewer: Luke Stephenson
Reviewed: 13th July 2026
North West End UK Rating: