Eden could not wait to return to Milton Keynes Theatre last night (22/09) to see the highly anticipated Waitress and here is her full review...
The Experience
From the moment the curtain went up, it was clear that Waitress was going to be a story filled with heart, humour and plenty of delicious-looking pies. The set design of the pie diner was one of the highlights, creating a warm and inviting world that made you feel like you were right there alongside Jenna and her friends. The combination of the diner setting, colourful costumes and lively staging brought the world of Waitress to life beautifully.
Jenna (played by Carrie Hope Fletcher) was instantly a character you couldn’t help but root for, and her journey was at the heart of what made the show so moving. Alongside her, Ogie (played by Mark Anderson) and Dawn (played by Evelyn Hoskins) quickly became some of my favourite characters, bringing so much comedy and energy to the story. One of the standout moments for me was Never Ever Getting Rid of Me, which had the whole audience laughing and was easily my favourite song of the show.
What really stood out was the balance between the hilarious moments and the more emotional scenes. Waitress can have you laughing one minute and feeling heartbroken the next, particularly as we watch Jenna deal with her abusive husband Earl (played by Mark Willshire.) Seeing what she goes through is difficult, but it makes her eventual decision to leave him and take control of her own life all the more powerful. Watching Jenna find the strength to break free after her daughter is born was one of the most satisfying and emotional parts of the story.
The ending was particularly meaningful, as Jenna finally gets the chance to build the life she wants and inherits the pie diner with her baby daughter. It felt like a beautiful full-circle moment, showing just how far she had come and giving her the independence and happiness she deserved.
By the end of the show, Waitress leaves you with a real mixture of emotions -you’ve laughed, cried and fallen in love with its characters. With its brilliant music, hilarious comedy and powerful message about finding the courage to change your life, Waitress is a warm, funny and deeply moving musical that stays with you long after the final curtain call.
The Story
Waitress is based on the 2007 movie written by Adrienne Shelly. Music and lyrics are written by Grammy award-winning, Sara Bareilles. With a book by Jessie Nelson, direction by Tony-award winner Diane Paulus and choreography by Lorin Latarro, Waitress has received multiple awards and nominations in America and the UK, receiving acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
Celebrating 10 years of production, Waitress opened on Broadway on 24th April 2016 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where it ran until 2020. The show celebrated its official opening night at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End on 7th March 2019. It has gone on to global success with further productions in North America, Japan, Holland, a French language production in Canada, a Spanish language production in Mexico, and coming this spring of 2026 an Australian production in Melbourne and Sydney.
Waitress tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker in a small town, who dreams of a way out of her loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a new life, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes to happiness. But Jenna must find the courage and strength within herself to rebuild her life. This beautiful musical celebrates friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.
Waitress is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 22nd-Sat 26th September. Tickets are available now via: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes.
