Waitress – Liverpool Empire

The diner doors are open and excitement is served, as Liverpool Empire welcomes the UK tour of Waitress. And this particular audience got an extra helping of sweetness added to an already superb show.

Jenna is an expert pie-baker and waitress, whose dreams of happiness seem a little out of reach. While her friends support her, and a new Doctor in town spices up her love-life, Jenna has to take matters into her own hands; will baking the perfect pie be the solution to her problems?

Based on the film by Adrienne Shelley, this musical takes a fantastic score by Sara Bareilles and an inspiring story written by Jessie Nelson and creates a perfectly seasoned piece. (Yes, there are more baking puns to come)

This evening, Ellie Ruiz Rodriguez donned the leading lady’s apron for the first time, and how lucky we were to witness it. Ruiz Rodriguez’s Jenna was charming and warm, with a vocal tone as buttery as a good biscuit base. Catching Jenna’s spirit, she made you root for her whole-heartedly in her journey through the show. Although she goes through some trials, Jenna’s strength and kindness is never questioned, and to be able to express that for the first time in the role is an enormous feat.

Opposite her as Doctor Pomatter, Dan Partridge was adorably awkward and sweet. His moving moments of connection with Jenna were contrasted well with impeccable comic timing. At this performance, Old Joe was played by Dan O’Brien, whose age wasn’t an issue in this lovable portrayal. O’Brien’s Joe was a funny old grump, not a cartoon character, who had a lovely relationship with Rodriguez’s Jenna. His song “Take it from an Old Man” gained more importance for me seeing it live, and the message stirred the audience’s emotions in the story’s conclusion.

In a show with a lot of hurt and hardship, thankfully there are sprinkles of humour. The entire ensemble had their moments, and there wasn’t a missed joke all evening. Ogie (Mark Anderson) and Dawn (Evelyn Hoskins) were a delightful dorky duo and brought a lift of laughter whenever it was needed. The supporting cast was rounded out by Mark Willshire, Bernadette Bangura, Bayley Hart and Will Arundell (the final two being actors in cover roles) who all impressed with strong performances. As a fan of Bareilles, (and the cast recording), I never found myself wanting for more in the performances. Sung with precision, and yet with such care and inspired acting choices, I truly felt at ease with this company.

Supporting the cast, the glorious band never leaves the stage and involves themselves in the action. This folk, country, indie hybrid score is beautifully realised as a true ensemble sound with harmonies and dream-like choral pieces. Paired with contemporary choreography from Lorin Lattaro, the subtle choices always serve the story first, and each song incites a genuine audience connection.

Exploring themes of womanhood, healing, love and friendship, this show also doesn’t back away from darker moments. It’s not just an inspiring tale of a dreamer, it’s believable, thought provoking and a reminder to never give up on yourself.

The ovations were well and truly deserved as, once again, swings and covers saved the day. The audience not only got to see a show, but had an extra little treat, and I really felt the company’s affection for the story they were telling.

A beautiful story that leaves a delicious aftertaste, Waitress is a joyous celebration that’s bound to have you swept up in its sweet magic.

Waitress runs until 12th September at the Empire and tickets can be found at;

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/waitress/liverpool-empire

Reviewer: Coral Mourant

Reviewed: 7th September 2026

North West End UK Rating: