Waitress 🥧

The Alhambra Theatre.

This week, I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the Press Night for Waitress at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford. A special thank you to Philippa for this invitation. After a conversation a few weeks ago, where she spoke so highly of the show and described it as one of her favourites, I went in with high expectations. Thankfully, it more than lived up to them, and I can completely see why she loves it so much.

Based on the much-loved film, Waitress brings a heartfelt and emotionally rich story to the stage with warmth and sincerity. From the very beginning, I felt completely drawn in. It is one of those productions that feels instantly comforting, yet there is an underlying emotional depth that stays with you throughout.

Set in a small-town diner, the story follows Jenna, played by Carrie Hope Fletcher, a waitress navigating an abusive marriage and an unplanned pregnancy while dreaming of a different life. There is something incredibly honest about the way her story is told, and it never feels overdramatic or forced. Instead, it unfolds in a way that feels real, messy and quietly heartbreaking.

Having never seen Fletcher perform before, I was genuinely blown away by her portrayal of Jenna. Her performance is soft and understated, yet so emotionally powerful. There were moments where I could feel my heart breaking for her, particularly in the quieter scenes where so much is conveyed without words. Vocally, she is flawless, but it is the depth of emotion behind the performance that makes it truly unforgettable.

The relationships in this show are what made me love it even more. Jenna’s bond with her co-workers felt so natural and believable that I completely invested in them. Sandra Marvin brings such confidence and warmth to Becky, while Evelyn Hoskins is an absolute joy as Dawn, adding a quirky charm that had me smiling every time she was on stage. Their friendship felt completely genuine, and the laughter they created rippled through the audience, filling the theatre with a real sense of shared joy.

I found myself laughing far more than I expected. The humour is perfectly timed and never feels forced. One particular moment involving a pineapple upside down cake genuinely caught me off guard, and I do not think I will ever look at one the same way again. It is rare to find a show that can make you laugh that much while still carrying such emotional weight.

At the same time, there are moments that completely shift the tone. Becky’s I Didn’t Plan It gave me goosebumps, it is one of those performances you can genuinely feel throughout the room. And then there is She Used To Be Mine. Even without any expectations going in, it completely took me by surprise. Fletcher performs it with such simplicity and honesty that it almost feels intrusive to watch, as though you are witnessing something deeply personal. It was easily one of the most moving performances I have seen on stage.

The staging is simple but effective, which I personally loved. It never distracts from the performances, instead allowing the story and characters to take centre stage. Everything flows seamlessly, and it keeps you fully immersed from beginning to end.

What stayed with me most after leaving the theatre was how real it all felt. This is not just a feel-good musical, it is a story about resilience, identity and finding the courage to change your life. It made me laugh, but it also made me think, and more than anything, it made me feel.

By the end of the performance, the reaction spoke for itself, with a full standing ovation happening almost instinctively. I left the theatre genuinely moved, and I have not stopped thinking about it since. This is without question one of my favourite shows I have seen this year, and a production I would return to in a heartbeat.

Waitress is currently playing at The Alhambra Theatre from the 13th April to the 18th April 2026. Tickets are still available and you can purchase them here.