Waitress producers announce their lead actress for upcoming show at Sunderland Empire

The producers of the new production of Waitress have officially announced that Durham’s own Emma Lucia will lead the cast as Jenna in the upcoming show on the 4-9 May at Sunderland Empire.

“I’m very exited to take on the role of Jenna in the North East. I grew up watching shows at Sunderland Empire, so it feels like a full circle moment to be back on home soil leading this wonderful and heartfelt production,” said Lucia.

Her other theatre credits include Perdita in 101 Dalmatians at the Regents Park Open Air Theatre, Kolokolo Bird in Just So at the Watermill Theatre, Girl in the national tour of Once, Marilyn in the national tour of Beautiful and more.

Alongside Lucia, Les Dennis will be playing the role of Old Joe, the owner of the diner and pie shop where Jenna works.

Dennis has described Joe as a “surrogate dad to the main character Jenna, curmudgeonly, but with a buttercream center. He doesn’t give much way, he’s a bit snappy but he really cares about Jenna.”

Les Dennis shot by Johan Persson

Dennis also said that he is looking forward to touring: “I’m looking forward to going back to Liverpool, my hometown. People there love their theatre, love their art.”

“There’s so much great art outside of London, and people really love it. It’s an embrace of community, of the beauty of life.”

He added “It is a really lovely show, with so many layers. It seems more to me like a play with music than a full-on musical.”

“It deals with so many issues, with domestic violence, with love, lost dreams and the power of female friendship. Audience will both laugh and cry and see incredible singers, I mean, our cast is amazing.”

Don’t miss out on this great show on 4-9 May and get your tickets at ATG tickets now.

Les Dennis shot by Matt Crockett