Type and hit ENTER

Commonly used tags...

Brighton Festival Brighton Fringe Brighton Pride British Sea Power Cinecity Lewes Psychedelic Festival Locally Sourced Lost & Found Love Supreme Festival Mutations Festival Nick Cave Poets Vs MCs Politics Rag'n'Bone Man Record Store Day Save Our Venues Six Of The Best Source Virgins Streets Of Brighton Street Source Tattoos The Great Escape Tru Thoughts Unsung Heroes
  • Home
  • News
  • Previews
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Food
  • Tickets
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Advertise
  • Home
  • News
  • Previews
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Food
  • Tickets
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Advertise
Previews

Waitress comes to Theatre Royal

Jun 27, 2022
-
Posted by Ethan Taylor

Following success on Broadway and in the West End, Waitress is soon due to visit Theatre Royal Brighton as part of a nationwide tour. We caught up with the show’s star Chelsea Halfpenny – well known for her time on both Emmerdale and Coronation Street as well as the West End – who joined the show earlier this year for its time on the road.

Set in an American diner, the musical follows expert pie baker Jenna, as she navigates an unhappy marriage and the consequences of a new arrival in the town. The show, “about finding love in the places that you might not expect to,” as Halfpenny describes it, has proved a monumental hit in its every guise so far, “warm, witty, wise and hilarious” according to the Express. Was Halfpenny herself a fan before becoming attached to the project? “A huge fan, a really geeky fan of the show and I am not ashamed to say that at all. I really loved it so now getting to be part of it is a total dream come true!”

And she is not alone, with the musical having attracted legions of devoted enthusiasts across the world and helping to catapult songwriter Sara Bareilles to stardom with hits from the show such as ‘She Used To Be Mine’ and ‘When He Sees Me’ making up a score hailed as “one of the best in years” (The Stage). “She writes things that are so specific, but at the same time you can take what you want from it as well,” Halfpenny says of the show’s composer and lyricist. “The songs tell the exact story of Waitress beautifully, but also you can relate everything that she has written to your own life for loads of different reasons. Even the funny songs have really heartfelt serious moments to them, and layers to them that you can discover each time you listen to the songs. They take on another life with each listen.”

And it is sure to attract more followers throughout its time on the road with a lengthy run this year including stops at Norwich, Nottingham, Canterbury and, of course, Brighton. Is Halfpenny finding the touring experience different to her time on the West End? “The logistics are, with packing up your bag and your dressing room every week and in a way it goes by so quickly as you’re so busy. It’s lovely to have a different audience each week in every town and city we visit as everywhere has its own vibe.”

Although reluctant to describe her arrival on the musical theatre scene as “a conscious move” Halfpenny certainly seems to have taken to her new surroundings. “The thrill of having a live audience and getting that instant feedback is amazing.” Having suffered her share of setbacks and audition woes before her initial success (landing a role in Dolly Parton musical 9 To 5 in 2019) she is quick to counsel those she shares the industry with. “Always believe in yourself and give yourself a goal. It’s really easy to take on any negative feedback and dwell on it but just remember that it’s someone else’s opinion and to keep working at your dreams!”

A catchy pop-infused score, an absorbing plot packed with loveable characters, all brought to life by an unfairly talented cast – with these ingredients you might’ve said the show’s long-life and success was always a given. Easy as pie!

Our verdict?

A fantastic, pastry-fuelled dreamscape that teases the fun from the fears found throughout love and life. Excellent performances raise a beautifully woven musical to new heights and are met with a fully deserved standing ovation come the end of the show. A musical that fully deserves the hype it has garnered complete with a score that is equal parts poppy and catchy as well as heartfelt and compelling, underpinning a production packed with goodness and warmth and as sweet as award-winning pie – Waitress is not to be missed!

Theatre Royal Brighton, Tuesday 12th July
For tickets and further information click here

Jun 27, 2022
Email
Ethan Taylor
Brighton-based actor and playwright. Spurs fan, loves a good series and is generally poor at bios.
← PREVIOUS POST
Leon Bridges Review
NEXT POST →
Morrissey, Friday 14th October
Mailing List

Recent Posts
  • Oral Habit Release Garage Frock! ep With a Family Store In-Store
    Jul 5, 2025

    Is this the best new band in Brighton? Team Source says "Hell Yeah!"

  • Ger Ready for Some Summer Hi Jinx
    Jun 26, 2025

    New promotions Team Hi Jinx are inviting you for beer, and free live music beside the sea side. What is not to like?

  • Big Long Sun Launch Album No 2!
    Jun 25, 2025

    With two slamming singles the new Big Long Sun album should be the soundtrack to late night summer parties across the land.

  • Great Escape 2025 Day 4 Review
    Jun 13, 2025

    Day 4 started with a party whistle thrash punk Extravaganza and ended with the glorious debut of Post Common. We love you TGE.

  • Great Escape 2025 Day 3 Review
    Jun 9, 2025

    One of the real joys of the Great Escape is you can often see the bands that really grab you more than once. Day 3 delivered.

  • Great Escape 2025 Day 2 Review
    Jun 7, 2025

    Day 2 provided a diverse range of acts. Within 30 minutes we went from beautiful Australian folk to riotous Korean DnB and that was before tea time!

  • The Girl On The Train Review
    Jun 7, 2025

    A fantastic adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel which is a beautiful balance of acting, theatricality and gritty story telling.

  • Great Escape 2025 Day 1 Review
    Jun 6, 2025

    No longer just a day for getting your wrist band; some serious heavy hitters were brought out for a cracking day one.

Website developed in Brighton by Infobo
Copyright © Brighton Source 2009-2023
Waitress comes to Theatre Royal - Brighton Source