The first time I reviewed Waitress for this website, in 2022, I wrote: “Sometimes the singing was a wee bit too loud for me to distinguish certain words, but I’m sure my ears were to blame”.
Well, those same ears are still attached to my noggin, so how would they fare four years older?
I am pleased to say the sound engineers got it just right on Tuesday night, when Waitress started its – 10th anniversary – run at a packed Hull New Theatre.
The city’s theatregoers were out in force, maybe with the expectation of seeing the show’s star, entertainer Les Dennis, in action as diner owner, Joe.
However, a helpful notice at the box office informed us his role on the night would be undertaken by Dan O’Brien. But any initial disappointment at not seeing the famous name soon disappeared – O’Brien did a wonderful job.
The musical, based on the 2007 film of the same name, is set in Joe’s Pie Diner, a popular eatery in a small American town – and the workplace of expert pie maker, Jenna (Emma Lucia).
Jenna has big dreams of creating an award-winning pie as well as finding happiness away from her selfish oaf of a husband, Earl (Mark Willshire), whose constant derogatory remarks to his hard-working wife has completely shattered her confidence.
Earl is truly someone you want to punch, and Willshire did such a fantastic job in the role, we booed him when he took his bow at the show’s end. But they were good-natured boos.
The down-trodden pie maker shares her workday with fellow waitresses, the feisty Becky (Bernadette Bangura) and wacky Dawn (Evie Hoskins), with diner manager Cal (Will Arundell), trying, unsuccessfully, to keep them in check.
Pie diner owner Joe is a regular customer, demanding and cantankerous at times, but Jenna is always willing to serve him with a smile, treating him with respect and courtesy he doesn’t always deserve.
And it’s her kindness towards him that pays huge, unexpected, dividends later on.
But before all that, Jenna faces a life-changing event when a hot new doctor arrives in town.
Dealing with an unexpected and unwelcome predicament needing medical attention, Jenna, finding out her usual doctor has retired, is confronted by the dishy Dr Pomatter (Dan Partridge) – and although both are married, the attraction is instant.
As her appointments become more frequent, so do their shenanigans and the sight of the doctor (who by now is addicted to Jenna’s pies) devouring a pineapple upside-down cake from between his patient’s wide open legs is an absolute scream.
His assistant, Nurse Norma (Ellie Ruiz Rodriguez), has, comically, cottoned on to the naughty duo’s antics, but gets her fair share of the tasty pies on offer.
As Jenna’s predicament gets more serious, she has to make some challenging decisions. Will she finally break free of her hateful husband and marriage, to find happiness in the arms of her randy doc?
Or does she put herself first, for a change, and discover that family and friends, especially her workmates, are all she needs to lead a happy and fulfilling life?
I enjoyed Waitress from the first instant the lattice fruit pie-decorated curtain rose. There really wasn’t a dull moment.
The stage setting consisted of metal shelving packed with cake-making paraphernalia at first, followed by the inside of the diner with its tables, chairs, bars and toilet (this played a significant role in proceedings).
Before our very eyes the scene switched to Jenna and Earl’s home, with its well-worn sofa whose money-filled cushions served as Jenna’s private safe.
The romps in the doctor’s office were always a laugh a minute, but they were just one part of the comedic events during the show.
Hoskins as waitress Dawn was very, very amusing in everything she said and did. The scene where, after finally securing a date with Ogie (Mark Anderson) and seeing him in the diner, she wipes the counter down so fast in her embarrassment, I actually laughed out loud, as did most of the audience.
Anderson, as her obsessed love interest, was hysterically funny in his mannerisms towards Dawn. He would not be put off. But did she run a mile when he constantly sang “Never Ever Getting Rid Of Me”? I would have done.
Bangura’s outspoken waitress Becky, although caring for a sick husband whom she loved, finds joy in a sexual encounter with someone she previously had run-ins with. Much to her workmates’, and our surprise.
In fact, in one hilarious scene, three couples are, how can I put it – at it like rabbits.
Waitress is a musical, so we were treated to singing voices that truly did justice to Sara Bareilles’ music and lyrics.
A stand-out moment came when Lucia, as Jenna, brought the house down with her emotional rendition of “She Used To Be Mine”.
And always a highlight for me is the appearance of musicians on stage, playing their music live.
Waitress has everything to keep an audience thoroughly entertained. In my 2022 review I awarded it 3 stars. Nothing but top marks will do for this 2026 production.
Age guidance 13+
Waitress runs until Saturday, September 5th 2026 at Hull New Theatre with tickets available at www.hulltheatres.co.ukand (01482) 300306
Reviewer: Jackie Foottit
Reviewed: 1st September 2026
North West End UK Rating: