NEWS - WAITRESS TO TOUR UK & IRELAND IN 2026 - CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER TO STAR AS JENNA

A Sweet Return for Waitress

Producers Barry & Fran Weissler and David Ian for Crossroads Live have announced that the smash hit romantic musical comedy Waitress will embark on a brand-new UK and Ireland tour in 2026. Fans can look forward to the show’s heart, humour, and plenty of pies when it plays the Manchester Palace Theatre from Tuesday 26th – Saturday 30th May 2026.

Carrie Hope Fletcher Will Lead as Jenna

Taking centre stage as Jenna, the expert pie maker with big dreams, will be none other than Carrie Hope Fletcher, one of the UK’s most beloved West End stars.

Carrie’s career highlights include Cinderella in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, Veronica Sawyer in Heathers, Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, and Fantine and Éponine in Les Misérables. She has collected multiple WhatsOnStage Awards across her career and is currently touring the UK and Ireland in Calamity Jane.

Her limited run as Jenna is sure to be a major draw for audiences up and down the country.

About Waitress

Based on Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 film, Waitress features a book by Jessie Nelson and a sensational score by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. Directed by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus, with choreography by Lorin Latarro, the show has received acclaim worldwide since first opening on Broadway in 2016.

The story follows Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker, who finds herself stuck in a loveless marriage. When a local baking contest and a charming new doctor offer a chance at happiness, Jenna must summon the courage to rebuild her life—with the help of her friends, plenty of laughter, and the magic of a perfectly baked pie.

Global Success

After its Broadway run at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre from 2016–2020, Waitress transferred to London’s West End in 2019, where it delighted audiences at the Adelphi Theatre. Since then, it has been performed in North America, Japan, Holland, France, and Mexico—cementing its reputation as one of the most popular musicals of recent years.

Waitress UK & Ireland Tour Dates & Tickets

The full list of Waitress UK and Ireland tour dates will be announced soon. For now, Manchester audiences can mark their calendars for 26–30 May 2026 at the Palace Theatre. Tickets will be available via waitressthemusical.co.uk.

Conclusion

With its irresistible mix of humour, heart, and songs that stay with you long after curtain call, Waitress is set to be one of the most anticipated tours of 2026. And with Carrie Hope Fletcher serving up pies and powerhouse vocals as Jenna, audiences are in for a treat that’s as sweet as it is heartfelt.