Theatre Review: Waitress at The Bristol Hippodrome

The Show: Waitress

Dates: Monday 4th August – Saturday 8th August 2026

Timing : 2 hours 35 minutes (including interval)

Rating: ★★★★★

Bristol Hippodrome has been transformed into Joe’s Diner as Waitress UK Tour hits the stage. This warm, comical and charming musical really had the audience in fits of laughter in one moment and tears during the next. The musical follows the journey of Jenna, a waitress and pie maker at Joe’s Diner. She unexpectedly finds herself pregnant and begins searching for happiness in her life.

As a big fan of Sara Bareille’s music and Carrie Hope Fletcher who plays the leading lady, I went into this show with very high hopes and it is safe to say I was not disappointed. Having never seen the staging of this musical, I was intrigued as to what the cast and crew would do to bring the wonderful story to life. I was slightly apprehensive during the first couple of songs, which happen to be some of my favourites from the Original Broadway Cast Recordings, however, my worries were soon forgotten as the show really kicked off during the fourth number, “What Baking Can Do.”

The show didn’t miss a beat with some very funny moments throughout but it was Mark Anderson as Ogie who’s impeccable comedic timing made the show. His performance of “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” and “I Love You Like a Table” have to be some of my favourite moments in the whole show. Surprisingly, these are normally songs I skip when listening to original recordings!

One note was that during the beginning of the musical the sound and mic volume level for both cast and musicians felt very low. This did make the show feel quite intimate and aided the set but I felt this took away from the impact “Opening Up” can have. I do think this was why I was initially worried that the show wouldn’t meet my expectations but as the show progressed I felt the volume and energy increased and really captivated me, especially for the finale reprise of the same song.

I loved the staging and set for this production, it was really thought out and well suited to the production. They strategically choreographed and expertly portrayed the 4 very different spaces whilst not needing to interrupt or halt the musical for a scene change. I loved the decision to make the stage smaller for Jenna and Earl’s home scenes as this really added to the trapped feeling of Jenna and I really liked how this same set opened up as she has her turning point in “She used to be mine”. Although Carrie Hope Fletcher needed no help in carrying the audience with her through such an impactful song, this really did add to the song. Carrie has a lovely richness and depth to her tone which made “She used to be mine” and “Everything Changes” flawless numbers and I would love to have a new cast recording of this company so that I could listen to these again and again.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see this incredible show, head to www.atgtickets.com to book tickets and explore what’s on.

For those wanting an extra special evening out, you can book your early dinner at The Square Club, before heading down Park Street for your evening at the theatre. Guests who are headed to the theatre may also indulge in a complimentary cocktail with their meal as part of The Square Club’s pre-theatre dining offer.

Need to stay the night? The Berkeley Suites offer the ultimate luxury night away, having recently won the Conde-Naste award of excellence.