Review | Waitress | Manchester Palace Theatre | 26 May 2026
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
A decade after first premiering on Broadway, Waitress continues to prove why it has all the makings of becoming a future musical theatre classic. Set in a sleepy American diner, we follow expert pie maker Jenna (Carrie Hope Fletcher) as she navigates an unexpected pregnancy in an unhappy marriage, dreaming of making a better life for herself.
Giving a more naturalistic performance, Fletcher brings warmth, humour and vulnerability in equal measure. She understands the role implicitly, with every lyric feeling lived in and authentic. Never is this more true than in her stunning rendition of ‘She Used To Be Mine’, when Jenna is mourning the loss of her identity. A true masterclass of acting through song, with the deliciously warm yet raw vocals, Fletcher made it her own and it was genuinely heartbreaking. Carrie Hope Fletcher has never been better than she is here.
Bringing the comedic relief and bucket loads of heart are Evelyn Hoskins and Sandra Marvin, as Jenna’s best friends Dawn and Becky. Each tackling their own hurdles throughout, they are a believable trio and represent the power of true friendship. Hoskins has the audience in the palm of her hand when she performs ‘When He Sees Me’ as she awkwardly prepares to go on a first date. While Marvin has the audiences in stitches throughout with her sass in her fiercely loyal portrayal of Becky.
Where the show occasionally falters however is with its tone, as it attempts to balance the comedy with the darker themes of the show. It felt uncomfortable to be coerced into routing for characters committing adultery. The exploration of domestic abuse is handled sensitively, but the production never quite decides whether it wants to lean fully into romcom territory or more serious emotional drama. A firmer commitment either way may have elevated the story to something even stronger than it is. However, refusing to settle for a cliched or predictable ending, Waitress feels as satisfying as one Jenna’s much-loved pies.
Musically, Waitress doesn’t put a foot wrong. Sara Bareilles’ folk-pop infused score is one of the strongest in modern musical theatre. From openers ‘What’s Inside’ and ‘Opening Up’ we are immediately pulled into the story. With some truly gorgeous harmonies alongside clever and emotive lyrics, the music is second only to the performances in this delicious anniversary production.
Waitress plays at Manchester Palace Theatre until Saturday 30 May 2026.
Note: My ticket was gifted in exchange for a review. This review is based on my honest opinion alone and is without influence.
