Review: Waitress at Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff

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Last night I had the pleasure of attending Waitress at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay. The show really blew me away, and I cannot think how to express how amazing it was, but let’s give it a go!

I entered the show completely forgetting that I had seen the movie, and within a few moments I was hit with that ‘Doh’ reaction! As soon as I remembered the story I was ready, ready to give my full to seeing if this show could compare with the movie or not!

You know what? It did, and wayyy more! The combination of set design, with the massive talent of the cast and an epic score, this was one of the best theatre shows I have ever been to see.

3 Cast members of Waitress at Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff — Dawn, Jenna & Becky from Waitress at WMC

They had me from the very first song, which was so wonderfully performed by Chelsea Halfpenny. Known for her time in Emmerdale and Casualty, Chelsea had every person in the audience eating (pie) from the palm of her hand from the word go!

Then came the harmonies from Evelyn Hoskins and Wendy Mae Brown (who played Dawn and Becky respectively) which married together perfectly. So often I find that harmonies can try to be created by people with similar voices, but the differences held within the cast were their added strength when combined.

David Hunter joined as Dr Pomatter and was incredible! His humour, voice and stage presence were so, so good, I was in fits of laughter at almost every one of his scenes. The chemistry between Jenna and Dr Pomatter was intense too, the way the two of them bounced off of each other and connected all at once was really enthralling.

Chelsea Halfpenny and David Hunter, Cast members of Waitress at Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff — Dr Pomatter & Jenna from Waitress at WMC

I loved the dark tone that would come over me whenever Earl entered the stage, his presence alone gave me shudders even before his performance. Knowing how the character was in the movie made me dislike him straight away, but the intensity in which the character was played by Tamlyn Henderson really got to me.

One of my favourite characters though had to be old man Joe! Michael Starke played Joe with such ease, it was like the role had been written just for him. The balance of sleazy man and kind, warm hearted man was perfect, and when he sang, oh my poor little heart! Such an honest and touching performance, it had me weeping and smiling all at once.

Jenna and Joe from Waitress at Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff — Jenna & Old man Joe from Waitress at WMC

I loved George Crawford’s portrayal of Ogie, the kind and gentle, (if not a little bit creepy) love interest for Dawn. He was so quirky and his comedy timing was truly remarkable. I felt that when I watched the movie, I didn’t really like the character, but after seeing the musical production, feel he is just a slightly misunderstood, and incredibly loving person.

I have to take time to talk about the music. Oh my goodness! The songs were so impressive, with beautiful melodies and sequences that you can tell were crafted by someone with a true passion for music writing. Sara Bareilles has created a true masterpiece, and I feel like it’s as soundtrack I need to listen to daily to inspire me! (I actually have it playing in the background as I write this!)

Last but by no means least, the set. Set design these days is so clever, and Waitress was no exception. The way it seemed simple yet used every element to truly draw you into each scene was amazing. The backdrop was great, and at times it feels like you are sat watching a sitcom due to the way the curtains are used to close you in and open you up.

Dawn, Jenna and Becky, 3 Cast members of Waitress at Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff at a baking table — Dawn, Jenna & Becky from Waitress at WMC

Over all, this show is one to go see! Highs, lows, tears of sadness, tears of joy, comedy, fear, excitement and every other emotion in between! Waitress brings all the feels! I wanted to give them a standing ovation after every song, and cannot wait to catch it again. Chelsea Halfpenny, you were incredible, and now I need some pie!

Head to the Wales Millennium Centre website to get your tickets now, the show is running until 4th June 2022, and I really, really think you should see this one.

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