Waitress

Waitress made its UK debut at London's West End. It opened at the Adelphi Theatre on March 7, 2019, following preview performances that began in February. The production marked the first time in West End history that a major musical's top creative roles—composer, writer, director, and choreographer—were all held by women. The show was directed by Diane Paulus and choreographed by Lorin Latarro.

The original West End cast featured Katharine McPhee as Jenna, bringing her strong vocals and emotional depth to the role. Other notable cast members included Marisha Wallace as Becky, Laura Baldwin as Dawn, and David Hunter as Dr. Pomatter. The cast received praise for their heartfelt performances and chemistry on stage. The musical quickly gained popularity for its relatable characters, catchy songs, and empowering themes.

Set in a small-town diner, Waitress follows Jenna as she navigates an unwanted pregnancy, an abusive marriage, and a complicated romance with her gynecologist. She channels her emotions into baking inventive pies with whimsical names, which serve as metaphors for her inner struggles. The musical’s standout songs include "She Used to Be Mine", "Opening Up", and "When He Sees Me", all of which resonate deeply with audiences.

Throughout its West End run, Waitress welcomed a rotating cast of talented performers. Sara Bareilles herself took on the role of Jenna for a limited time in 2020, performing alongside Gavin Creel as Dr. Pomatter. Their appearance created a surge in ticket sales and drew attention from fans worldwide. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the show closed earlier than planned, with its final performance held on March 14, 2020.

Despite the premature closure, Waitress left a lasting impact on the West End theatre scene. The musical’s message of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery resonated strongly with UK audiences. It returned for a UK and Ireland tour starting in 2021, bringing the story to even more cities and fans across the country. The tour featured new cast members and continued to receive warm reviews from critics and theatergoers alike.

Waitress remains a beloved part of modern musical theatre in the UK. Its success highlighted the importance of female-led creative teams and emotionally honest storytelling. With its memorable songs and heartfelt message, the musical continues to inspire audiences long after the curtain falls.