Waitress Opens Up in Woking

Opening night of Waitress at Woking Theatre was a heartfelt, emotional, and quietly powerful experience — one that blends humour with real-life challenges in a way that feels deeply personal as well as widely relatable.

At the centre of the story is Jenna, a gifted pie-maker navigating an unhappy marriage, an unexpected pregnancy, and a complicated love triangle that unfolds with her doctor. The show doesn’t shy away from the messiness of these relationships — instead, it leans into them, exploring what it means to feel stuck, to make imperfect choices, and to search for a way forward when life hasn’t turned out as planned. It’s a story about autonomy, identity, and finding the courage to change your path, even when it feels impossible.

Carrie Hope Fletcher delivers a beautifully honest performance as Jenna, capturing every layer of the character  her vulnerability, her warmth, her frustration, and her quiet strength. She brings real emotional depth to the role, particularly in the show’s most intimate moments, and carries the audience with her throughout. By the time we reach “Everything Changes,” her performance feels fully realised emotional, empowering, and genuinely moving, landing the show’s message with impact and sincerity.

Evelyn Hoskins’ Dawn is a standout, bringing both humour and heart while also reflecting traits that resonate strongly with autistic audiences. Her need for routine, structure, and certainty is portrayed with care and authenticity, never exaggerated but instead grounded in something real and recognisable. As an autistic audience member, this representation feels meaningful and on a third viewing, Dawn’s journey continues to connect in a way that feels both comforting and validating.

Les Dennis as Joe balances sharp humour with genuine tenderness. His performance builds beautifully, culminating in a deeply moving rendition of “Take It From an Old Man,” which brings a wave of emotion across the audience. It’s a moment full of reflection, delivered with warmth and sincerity not a dry eye in the house, 

As Earl, Mark Wiltshire (prev Bonnie and Clyde)  brings a controlled intensity to the role, with moments of dark humour woven through his performance. His comedic timing adds an uncomfortable edge that makes the character compelling to watch the kind of presence that draws a reaction while reinforcing the reality of Jenna’s situation.

Overall, this production of Waitress captures the balance of light and shade beautifully. It speaks to relationships, neurodiversity, personal growth, and the complicated choices we face at different stages of life. It’s funny, emotional, and honest and on opening night in Woking, it left a lasting impression long after the curtain came down.