REVIEW: Waitress at Sunderland Empire

Celebrating 10 years since its debut on Broadway, Sara Bareilles’ Waitress is touring the UK with Durham-born Emma Lucia putting on the apron for a week of performances at Sunderland Empire.

Waitress is based on a 2007 film and follows talented baker Jenna as she deals with a complicated combination of an abusive marriage, an unexpected pregnancy, and her hot new obstetrician. Emma Lucia is simply breathtaking as she takes over the role from Carrie Hope Fletcher for the Sunderland leg of the tour. She delivers one of the best performances the Empire stage is likely to see all year, more than earning a remarkable applause as she finishes the show’s crowning song She Used to Be Mine. If this is what Lucia is capable of, it is a wonder that she is not being cast in every West End production.

The supporting cast of Sandra Marvin and Evelyn Hoskins as fellow waitresses Becky and Dawn provide great moments of comic relief, both being given the room to showcase their own vocals through their spotlight songs and love stories, with Hoskins and Mark Anderson as Ogie being the best romantic pairing as they complement each other’s comedic abilities perfectly.

Credit: Johan Persson

The biggest star in the cast is undoubtedly Les Dennis, one of Britain’s most best-known entertainers, and he finds himself playing diner owner Joe in this touring show. He does a great job with his song Take It from an Old Man, with the fact his voice isn’t the strongest only adding to the endearing nature of the character.

The production as a whole was a triumph of theatre with everyone associated, from the performers, to the live onstage band, to those involved in the set and prop choreography, ensuring a smooth running show that never fails to keep its audience engaged and emotionally invested. There is moments that will have you belly laughing, and moments that will leave you with tears streaming down your face.

Waitress is at Sunderland Empire from 4 to 9 May and tickets are available here.