(AD – PRESS NIGHT) WAITRESS UK TOUR 2026 REVIEW
HULL NEW THEATRE
TUESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2026 @ 7.30PM
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Welcome back to a theatre blog post! It’s been a while since I even sat in a theatre, let alone reviewed a show. This week, we were at Hull New Theatre seeing one of my all-time favourite musicals, Waitress. Here’s a look at my Waitress UK tour 2026 review from Tuesday evening.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
I’m slightly cheating as I have already seen this tour in Bradford back in April. I was able to catch Emma Lucia’s debut, where she was magnificent, so I was thrilled to see her again in Hull. I’ve been a longtime fan of the musical, and I think this was my fourth visit to the pie shop (but I feel like I’ve seen it more than that). They’re some of my favourite songs in the history of musicals, so it’s always exciting to see them sung live on a stage!
THE CAST
Let’s start with our leading lady, Emma Lucia as Jenna. In this role, she’s a complete natural. These songs are right in her wheelhouse, allowing her to act fully through every note. She just embodies Jenna’s entire character and is completely magnetic on stage. Her rendition of She Used To Be Mine had some unique notes, and I loved her take on it!
She is flanked in the diner by her two fellow waitresses, Becky and Dawn. Bernadette Bangura as Becky has such a powerful voice. I love how she goes from being hilarious to vulnerable, especially during her shining moment in her solo, I Didn’t Plan It. It’s a beautiful song anyway, but Bangura’s version felt really authentic. Evelyn Hoskins as Dawn is a Waitress veteran, having played the character in the West End and a previous tour. She’s some comic relief to a storyline that can get heavy at times, and her chemistry with Mark Anderson (Ogie) is hilarious.
Dan Partridge is the latest Dr Pomatter, and he’s one of the best. He’s always a standout and a really versatile performer. Partridge was warm and awkward all rolled into one, and his voice commands the stage so easily. You Matter to Me was a highlight of the night, and his and Lucia’s voices blend so well together. I still stand by that Dr Pom should have a solo song (Without a Believer is a great song), and I know Partridge would’ve knocked it out of the park.
THE PRODUCTION
A special shoutout goes to Ellie Ruiz Rodriguez as Nurse Norma, who has the best comedic moments in the entire show. However, this cast is exceptional across the board, as the ensemble really does make the show. It’s a small company, but they more than fill the stage along with the props.
I’m very biased, but the soundtrack is one of the very best. Sara Bareilles’ lyrics tell a beautiful story, and I’ve always found that really endearing. Musically, it’s challenging compared to most musicals, as it’s not very belty. It’s complemented by Lorin Latarro’s choreography, which is really subtle but in keeping with the show. I love the little baking movements during the entire show.
Musical director Francesca Warren and her band do a wonderful job with this score, and they’re incorporated into the diner scenes. I loved the double bass and guitar features during some of the quieter songs. They got the loudest cheer of the night during the finale too!
Ironically, one of my favourite parts of Waitress is the set design. It feels like a proper diner, with the counter and cake fridge on stage for most of the show. There are a handful of other scenes, such as Jenna’s living room and Dr Pom’s office. In fact, the bed from his office being wheeled in and out makes for multiple comical moments.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whilst the soundtrack is a favourite, seeing it come to life on stage is always even better. With each cast, you get to see a new take on the roles, and this cast is up there with some of the best. It’s vocally challenging, as the melodies aren’t standard and the range needed for each song is vast, especially for Jenna and Dr Pom. My favourite part has to be the plot. You can be howling with laughter in one scene, and then tears are falling down your face in the next one.
I loved it so much that I’m heading to Sheffield to see it again next month. If you enjoyed this Waitress UK tour 2026 review, you can find my other theatre reviews here. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok too.
