Lucie Jones delivers a performance as funny as it is heartbreaking in the touring production of Waitress at The Lowry in Salford, a musical that balances belly laughs with a genuine emotional punch.
Based on the 2007 film, the show follows Jenna, a talented pie-maker trapped in an unhappy marriage who finds herself facing an unexpected pregnancy. As she dreams of a different life, the musical explores friendship, love and the courage it takes to imagine something better. With music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, it balances the sweetness of a feel-good story with some much more complicated emotions.
A cast that commands the stage
Jones captures Jenna's warmth, vulnerability and determination beautifully, drawing the audience into her world without losing the humour that makes her so likeable. She is joined by Evie Hoskins as Dawn and Mark Anderson as Ogie, whose wonderfully awkward chemistry and impeccable comic timing provided some of the evening's biggest laughs.
Bernadette Bangura is equally brilliant as Becky, bringing plenty of wit and personality to the role. The friendship between the three women feels natural, funny and genuinely affectionate. There is also a familiar face for many viewers in the North West, with Les Dennis playing diner owner Joe. Coronation Street fans may recognise him as former Weatherfield resident Michael Rodwell.
Production details and local nods
The set moves fluidly between scenes, creating a vivid picture of the diner and the lives unfolding within it. The sound is crystal clear, allowing the vocals and music to shine without losing any of the dialogue or quieter moments.
There is even a little extra seasoning for the Salford audience. A "Salford Pie" can be spotted in the background of the set, while Becky jokes that Jenna should open a pie shop in Paris or Salford. It is a small detail, but a lovely nod to the show's home for the evening.
A powerful central moment
For all its comedy, however, Waitress saves its most powerful moment for She Used to Be Mine. Jones delivers the song with such raw emotion that the theatre falls almost completely silent. Every ounce of emotion shines through as she brings Jenna's pain, uncertainty and longing into sharp focus.
That is where Waitress really gets the balance right. It never relies solely on sadness to make its point, nor does it bury its more difficult themes beneath a mountain of jokes. Instead, the laughter makes the heartbreak hit harder, giving the audience plenty of reasons to care about the people at the centre of the story.
Waitress is at The Lowry until October 31.
