Waitress is a slice of perfection as Carrie Hope Fletcher gives unmissable performance

Waitress runs at the Grand Opera House in Belfast until Saturday, August 1

It’s not often I’ve wanted to jump to my feet for a standing ovation before the end of a performance, but when you witness a talent like Carrie Hope Fletcher that can’t be helped.

Taking on the role of Jenna Hunterson in Waitress, she perfectly portrayed the anguish of the downtrodden wife trapped in an unhappy, loveless marriage, who just wants a little joy.

Despite the heavy themes touched upon in the production as she navigates falling pregnant by cruel husband Earl, played by the excellent Mark Willshire, Fletcher brings a lightness and great comedic timing to what is a very funny and uplifting show.

We follow as expert pie-maker Jenna (Fletcher) finds herself falling for her affable gynaecologist Dr Pomatter, who comes to life thanks to the charming performance of Dan Partridge, and she finds a little happiness while coming to terms with having a child with a man she wants to leave.

They embark on an affair which helps Jenna find her spark again, alongside making the best pies around, that leads to a joyful ending for our leading lady.

Her performance of She Used To Be Mine was spell-bounding and received rapturous applause from the captivated audience, with many maybe feeling the urge to jump to their feet like me.

But as impressive as Fletcher was in her role as Jenna, the whole show is an utter joy because of the rest of the cast as well and the chemistry between them all. I loved every single character and how they were portrayed. Not an over exaggeration, they really were all excellent.

The trio – Jenna, Becky (Sandra Marvin), and Dawn (Evelyn Hoskins) – bounced off each other as the waitresses in Joe’s Pie Diner, bringing plenty of laughs and their own standout performances as each character gets their chance to shine.

Sandra Marvin brought great humour to her role of Becky, perfect timing and a powerful voice who commanded attention on stage. The show would not have been the same without her.

Evelyn Hoskins’ portrayal of Dawn was again very funny and endearing and her chemistry with love interest Ogie (the hilarious Mark Anderson) brought a great lightness and quirkiness to Waitress.

Aside from the performances, special mention must go to the impressive set that changed between a diner with booths, Jenna’s home, a doctor’s surgery and kitchen seemlessly.

I also loved that the band were on stage the whole time as well, blending well in the corner of the diner and being treated as customers at points as well.

I had no idea what to expect before seeing Waitress, I had heard of the show and its rave reviews but had never listened to the soundtrack but I just fell in love with the show.

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