Waitress is a Tony Award-nominated romantic musical comedy that tackles the really hard-hitting topics of domestic abuse and infidelity. Knowing this before seeing the show, I was at best hoping to enjoy the performance, but ended up absolutely loving it - as did the rest of the appreciative audience, who applauded, cheered, laughed out loud and, at the finale, rose to give a well-deserved standing ovation. 

Each cast member gave an outstanding performance, and together they delivered an awesome and memorable evening of musical theatre. The show is unexpectedly funny, and all the characters are authentic and believable.

The story revolves around Jenna, who is a waitress in small-town America and an expert pie maker. She dreams of a happier life, but is trapped in an abusive, loveless marriage - as was her own mother, who taught her to bake. Jenna is expecting a baby. The pregnancy was unplanned and she is not relishing the prospect of motherhood. After developing romantic feelings for her gynaecologist, she decides to search for the recipe for happiness, helped along the way by her fellow waitresses, Becky and Dawn. 

Waitress has a female-led creative team and all the male roles are supporting ones. The show differs from perhaps more typical musicals in that it is very much grounded in reality - and all the better for it, one might add. From pies to pregnancy, fantastic choreography mixed with humour, and formidable acting and singing, the show will charm you and leave you buzzing! 

Five stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull at Birmingham Hippodrome where Waitress continues to show until Saturday 28 May. Waitress returns to the region to play Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tues 28 June to Sat 2 July.