‘Waitress The Musical’ is a firm favourite for many, leaving spectators a little teary-eyed by the end, yet comforted, like receiving a warm hug. It’s not just another musical – offering multiple layers and depth, like a theatre play, accompanied by music to help soften our hearts, and witty, laugh-out-loud humour.
‘Waitress The Musical’ is coming to King’s Theatre, Glasgow, between October 6 and 10, 2026, as well as Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool and more.
Stage star Les Dennis is playing Joe, joined by Evelyn Hoskins as Dawn, Dan Partridge as Dr Pomatter, Mark Anderson as Ogie, Mark Wilshire as Earl and Dan O’Brien as Cal.
Les Dennis on ‘Waitress the Musical’
Les Dennis gave us some intel when it comes to the show, revealing the layers one by one, like a chapter of a book.
Why is the show Waitress like its famous pies?
Comparing the musical to pies, Les Dennis talks about the important themes of the show.
“It is a really lovely show, with so many layers. It seems more to me like a play with music than a full-on musical. It deals with so many issues, with domestic violence, with love, lost dreams, and the power of female friendship. Audiences will both laugh and cry and see incredible singers. I mean, our cast is amazing”
Attitudes to masculinity and mental health must be so different today from when you grew up?
The definition of masculinity has evolved over the years, from being told to “just get on with it” to being checked up on.
“When I first talked about being in therapy, it was frowned upon. Now people would check that I was okay. But this was 1986, and I was just told you’ve got to get on with it. You’ve got to do it. The whole company went to Dustin’s funeral, but we couldn’t stay for the wake, because we had to go back for an evening show. I look back at that and just think that was wrong, and I didn’t get a chance to grieve, and that’s why my first marriage (to Lynne Webster) collapsed, because I was just totally lost.”
What do you think of how Waitress presents so many different types of masculinity, from Jenna’s toxic husband Earl to the very sweet Ogie?
“There’s so much depth to this show. There’s a tragedy to Earl, to his destroyed dreams and how he takes it out on his wife.I think men are in a difficult phase right now, but we’ve got to support each other.My wife, Claire (Nicholson), will say, ‘Hey, hold my hand,’ because I still fear public displays of affection. I call her Claire in the community. She’s amazing, looking after us all and looking and looking after everybody, if she can”
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles (music and lyrics) on ‘Waitress the Musical’
Music and lyrics writer Sara Bareilles has also opened up about her feelings about what it’s like to have written such a global hit, as well as the ins and outs of the core of the show.
Waitress has been seen on Broadway, the West End, international tours, and even the big screen. How do you feel the show has evolved over time?
“What I love most about seeing the show over time is how the audience’s relationship to it changes. It feels so warm in the theatres where this story is being told. So many people are no longer new to Waitress; they come with their own history and relationship to the show and the music, and you can really feel that familiarity in the room. Like they are seeing an old friend. It’s beautiful.”
“She Used to Be Mine” has become a modern musical-theatre anthem. What does it mean to you to hear it sung by so many performers worldwide?
Truly, this has been one of the most incredible gifts. I never imagined the song would take on such a life of its own, but the fact that it resonates so deeply and people find catharsis in sharing it is a profound joy. I think it’s a testament to Adrienne Shelly’s storytelling and what moved in me because of her. Now it’s moving in others. That’s so special.”
Sugar, butter, flour–what do you think are the three main ingredients that have attributed to the musical’s success and longevity?
The recipe for success is simple, according to Sara: “Heart, Humour, Community.”
Jenna’s story is both intimate and universal. What aspects of the musical resonate most with you today, all these years after the musical’s premiere?
‘Waitress The Musical’ is about real, messy people, instead of one dimensionality. “I still love that this is not a musical about heroes and villains, but about messy people doing the best they can, making mistakes, finding redemption, and learning to lean on each other. I find it so human and timeless.” After all, everyone deserves love.
So, if you’re after a wholesome, multi-layered show to catch, ‘Waitress The Musical’ offers just that. You can book your tickets here.
