Waitress The Musical has arrived at Belfast’s Grand Opera House, bringing with it a thoughtful story, memorable songs and a cast that keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end.

Based on the 2007 film, the musical follows Jenna, a talented waitress and pie-maker who feels trapped in an unhappy marriage while dreaming of a different future. When an unexpected pregnancy and the arrival of a new doctor turn her world upside down, Jenna is forced to make some difficult decisions about the life she really wants.

Carrie Hope Fletcher is excellent in the lead role, portraying Jenna with warmth, humour and quiet determination. She balances the character’s vulnerability with resilience, making it easy to invest in her journey. Her performance of ‘She Used To Be Mine’ is the emotional centrepiece of the evening, delivered with genuine sincerity and drawing a deserved standing ovation from many in the audience.

Mark Willshire gives a convincing performance as Jenna’s controlling husband Earl, while Dan Partridge brings plenty of charm to the role of Dr Pomatter. Their complicated relationship is handled with sensitivity, while the awkward encounters in the doctor’s surgery — particularly those involving the brilliantly expressive Nurse Norma, played by Ellie Ruiz Rodriguez — provide some of the production’s funniest moments.

Much of the comedy comes from Jenna’s friends and fellow waitresses Becky and Dawn. Sandra Marvin and Evelyn Hoskins have excellent chemistry together, while Dawn’s unlikely romance with the wonderfully eccentric Ogie, played by Mark Anderson, had the Belfast audience laughing throughout the evening.

Les Dennis is perfectly cast as diner owner Old Joe. Although he appears in relatively few scenes, his understated performance provides some of the production’s most touching moments, offering Jenna guidance when she needs it most. His reception during the curtain call showed just how much the audience appreciated his performance.

Sara Bareilles’ score remains one of the musical’s greatest strengths, blending contemporary pop with songs that move the story forward naturally. Combined with energetic choreography, strong direction and an excellent live band, the production maintains its momentum throughout.

Although Waitress is full of humour, it doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects, exploring domestic abuse, relationships, motherhood and finding the confidence to change your own future. Those themes still feel just as relevant today as they did when the musical first opened.

LoveBelfast Verdict: ★★★★★

A well-balanced production that mixes comedy with genuine emotion, led by an outstanding Carrie Hope Fletcher and a strong supporting cast. Whether you’re already familiar with Waitress or seeing it for the first time, this is a musical well worth catching during its Belfast run.

Waitress The Musical is at the Grand Opera House, Belfast until Saturday.

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