Review: Waitress, The Playhouse, Edinburgh, May 2026
Jenna, the waitress at Joe's Pie Diner, is trapped in a dead-end, abusive marriage to Earl. With a baby on the way, her prospects seem bleak. But alongside her are fellow waitresses Becky and Dawn, forming an unbreakable trio in the face of a parade of flawed men. Jenna embarks on a risky affair with the charming Dr Pomatter, while Dawn finds herself pursued by eccentric suitor Ogie, and Becky strikes up a no-nonsense relationship with chef Cal.
This is a tale of blue-collar female solidarity, enriched by Bareilles' country-tinged score, which lends the show an added emotional depth. The cast is led by a superb Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna, bringing both vocal power and emotional nuance. Sandra Marvin's sassy Becky and Evie Hoskins' unexpectedly liberated Dawn provide spirited support. Among the men, Dan Partridge is a charming Dr Pomatter, Dan O'Brien a lusty Cal, and Mark Willshire convincingly unpleasant as Earl. Mark Anderson nearly steals the show as the lovably absurd Ogie, while Les Dennis lends gruff warmth to Joe. Ellie Ruiz Rodriguez also delights as Nurse Norma.
Standout moments include Ogie's comic courtship of Dawn, while Fletcher's moving rendition of 'She Used to Be Mine' is a showstopper, delivered solo with commanding presence. Given that Waitress' previous Edinburgh run was curtailed by the pandemic, this full-blooded return feels especially welcome. By the end, as Jenna's fortunes finally shift, the show balances its characters' rough edges with a sweetness that, fittingly, lingers like cherry pie.
In my opinion, this is a powerful and moving portrayal of female resilience and desire, with a score that adds an extra layer of emotional depth. The show is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience a story of female empowerment and the complexities of human relationships. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, women can find strength and joy in their lives.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the way it explores the dynamics of female friendship and the power of female solidarity. The show highlights the importance of having a support system and the strength that comes from standing together. It also showcases the complexities of female desire and the challenges that women face in a society that often undervalues their contributions.
One thing that immediately stands out is the way the show challenges traditional gender roles. The waitresses are not defined by their relationships with men, but by their own desires and aspirations. They are strong, independent women who are not afraid to take risks and pursue their own happiness.
What many people don't realize is that the show is not just a story of female empowerment, but also a reflection of the complexities of human relationships. The characters' relationships with each other and with their romantic partners are nuanced and multifaceted, highlighting the challenges and rewards of love and friendship.
If you take a step back and think about it, the show raises a deeper question about the role of women in society and the power of female solidarity. It challenges us to consider the ways in which we can support and uplift each other, and to recognize the strength that comes from standing together.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the way the show uses music to convey the characters' emotions and motivations. The score is not just a backdrop, but an integral part of the storytelling, adding depth and nuance to the characters' experiences.
What this really suggests is that the show is a powerful and moving portrayal of female resilience and desire, with a score that adds an extra layer of emotional depth. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, women can find strength and joy in their lives, and that the power of female solidarity is a force to be reckoned with.
