Review: Waitress Musical, New Wimbledon Theatre *****

Carrie Hope Fletcher Waitress New Wimbledon Tour

Sandra Marvin (Becky), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Jenna) and Evelyn Hoskins (Dawn). Credit Johan Persson — Sandra Marvin (Becky), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Jenna) and Evelyn Hoskins (Dawn). Credit Johan Persson

REVIEW: WAITRESS MUSICAL 2026, THIS PIE IS A PERFECT BALANCE OF BITTER AND SWEET

The 2026 Waitress UK tour has officially kicked off its tenth anniversary run and where better to set the table than the New Wimbledon Theatre? This smash hit musical makes a triumphant return to the capital, featuring the celebrated Carrie Hope Fletcher stepping into the iconic flour dusted shoes of Jenna.

Based on the 2007 film, written and directed by Adrienne Shelly, the story follows Jenna Hunterson, a baker and waitress in an abusive relationship. Produced on a small 1.5 million dollar budget, the film grossed over 22 million dollars worldwide. After receiving positive reviews for its charm, it later inspired the musical produced first on Broadway and then at the Adelphi theatre in London.

Whether you are heading to Wimbledon for the opening week or eyeing up the tour dates for places such as Manchester, Birmingham, or Bristol, this latest female led production offers a beautifully fresh and soulful reimagining of Sara Bareilles’ Grammy nominated score. The production has seasoned veterans returning: Sandra Marvin as Becky and Evelyn Hoskins back as Dawn, alongside Carrie Hope Fletcher in the title role as Jenna.

Hope Fletcher inhabits the role of Jenna bringing both powerhouse vocals but also a heart breaking vulnerability. She has ended up in a corner, tasted a positive alternative, but has a moral compass to which she must adhere. Hope Fletcher captures both the depths and the lightness of the character.

The friendship trio of Jenna, Dawn and Becky is also utterly believable as they support and love each other despite their quirks and foibles. The strength of female friendship runs through the heart of the diner. Like the best of pies, a balance of bitter and sweet is needed and what makes this not just a saccharine musical is the way heavy themes are balanced against goofy comedy. There is the desperation of domestic violence in a one horse town (and potential parenthood to boot) alongside lighter moments such as Mark Anderson as Ogie and his crowd pleasing rendition of Never Ever Getting Rid of Me.

The musicians led by Nadia Digiallonardo are visible on stage throughout while cake stands and pie plates are stacked around the grand piano. The set by Scott Pask is very versatile and the ensemble are able to achieve many set changes while the iconic Sugar, Butter, Flour motif is sung. Lighting by Ken Billington, especially on the small town backdrops, adds a perfect layer to the mood.

This anniversary production remains a delicious slice of musical theatre that balances raw emotion with genuine joy. It is a heartwarming reminder that even when life provides the bitterest ingredients, there is always room for a fresh start and a better recipe.

[Thank you to New Wimbledon Theatre for gifted tickets for an honest review]

ALL The “Sugar, Butter, Flour” Details

RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 25 Minutes (with Interval)

AGE GUIDANCE: 13+

Waitress contains some strong language, themes of domestic abuse and sexual innuendo so discretion is advised for parents bringing children under age 13.

Waitress UK Tour 2026: The Full Itinerary

From the bright lights of London to the grandest stages across the country, here is where you can catch a slice of the action. Grab your tickets directly at the official Waitress the Musical UK Tour website.

London (Wimbledon): New Wimbledon Theatre | 28 Mar – 4 Apr
Brighton: Theatre Royal | 6 – 11 Apr
Bradford: Alhambra Theatre | 13 – 18 Apr
Woking: New Victoria Theatre | 20 – 25 Apr
Birmingham: Hippodrome | 28 Apr – 2 May
Sunderland: Empire | 4 – 9 May
Edinburgh: Playhouse Theatre | 12 – 16 May
Dublin: Bord Gáis Energy Theatre | 19 – 23 May
Manchester: Palace Theatre | 26 – 30 May
Wolverhampton: Grand Theatre | 1 – 6 Jun
Cardiff: Wales Millennium Centre | 8 – 13 Jun
Southend: Cliffs Pavilion | 17 – 20 Jun
Oxford: New Theatre | 29 Jun – 4 Jul
Stoke-on-Trent: Regent Theatre | 6 – 11 Jul
Blackpool: Opera House | 13 – 18 Jul
Leicester: Leicester Curve | 20 – 25 Jul
Belfast: Grand Opera House | 28 Jul – 1 Aug
Bristol: Hippodrome | 4 – 8 Aug
Nottingham: Royal Concert Hall | 10 – 15 Aug
Llandudno: Venue Cymru | 17 – 22 Aug
Bournemouth: Pavilion Theatre | 24 – 29 Aug
Hull: New Theatre | 1 – 5 Sep
Liverpool: Empire | 7 – 12 Sep
Eastbourne: Congress Theatre | 14 – 19 Sep
Milton Keynes: Theatre | 22 – 26 Sep
Glasgow: King’s Theatre | 6 – 10 Oct
Sheffield: Lyceum Theatre | 13 – 17 Oct
Salford: The Lowry | 27 – 31 Oct

Is Carrie Hope Fletcher in the full Waitress UK Tour?

Carrie Hope Fletcher is confirmed for the majority of the tour through to 22 August 2026. However, she will not be performing in Sunderland (4–9 May), where Emma Lucia takes the lead. Casting for Jenna for all dates from 24 August onwards is yet to be announced.

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