Theatre is back and Theatre is booming! It is always a privilege to be at the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield and the excitement was tangible as we awaited curtain up. And what a night it was as Waitress served us a huge slice of incredible pie!
Embarking on its first ever UK tour, Waitress is proving to be one of the best new Broadway and West End exports of recent years! I have to say, it was superb from start to finish! The packed Lyceum house were treated to an absolute spectacle filled with laughter and tears in equal measure!
Lucie Jones of X-Factor and Eurovision fame was stunning in the role of ‘Jenna’ – the Waitress who despite leading a far from perfect life at home, manages to keep her customers coming back for another piece of her famous pie! Her acting was strong, but it was her vocals that blew us all away! Her rendition of ‘That’s what baking can do’ and ‘She used to be mine’ has got to be one of the best I have heard! She was effortlessly brilliant throughout and on the back of this tour I think she should thrust herself into the forethoughts of many casting directors in the West End and Broadway!
Sandra Marvin as ‘Becky’ and Evelyn Hoskins as ‘Dawn’ were a perfect complement to Lucie Jones and added comedy and brilliant vocals in equal measure. Matt Willis as Dr Pomatter displayed an incredible vocal range. The Former ‘Busted’ star was charming and hilarious at times as he was able to display his versatility throughout. Other standout performances for me included George Crawford as ‘Ogie’ who was incredibly funny (even a rogue table brake wasn’t able to stop him), Michael Starke as ‘Old Joe’ and Scarlet Gabriel as ‘Norma’
In truth, what gave this show its heart was the incredible ensemble who not only helped create the magic of the show by displayed brilliant choreography and vocals, but they also delivered impressive transitions and scene changes with real ease! Sometimes an ensemble is overlooked but not this time!
Speaking of scene changes, the set was brilliant! Sometimes a touring production can strip back a set – but not this time! It was colourful, creative and very clever – making the most of every inch of the Lyceum Stage.
Praise must go also to the orchestra. One of my favourite elements of this production was the orchestra, they not only played Sara Bareilles’ incredible score with a real vigour, but they also helped create the feel of the piece by occasionally playing on the edge of the action, appearing in different areas across the stage and I really appreciated this! Aesthetically, it contributed significantly and helped with the flow of the action.
I would like to mention the Director Diane Paulus and Choreographer Lorin Latarro for the work they have done with the excellent ensemble and company!
This was a top night out; a truly stunning production and I can’t wait to see it again!
Waitress runs until Saturday 2nd October at Sheffield Theatres, book via 0114 2496000 or www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk before moving on to Milton Keynes
MUST SEE!!!
Reviewer: Chris Hanlon
Reviewed: 28th September 2021
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★