When WAITRESS first opened in the West End, audiences flocked to see how this beloved Broadway musical, laden with scrumptious pies and heartfelt ballads, would be received across the pond. No one was disappointed. Marisha Wallace originated the role of Becky, delivering powerhouse vocals that made the rafters vibrate. Laura Baldwin, with her adorable comedic timing, took on Dawn, while Lucie Jones stepped into the lead as Jenna. Watching these three together felt as though you’d stumbled into a dream team of voices. Critics praised them for injecting the show with a warmth and camaraderie that some musicals take entire runs to cultivate.
To revisit that chemistry in a single night is a major draw for fans of WAITRESS, and it’s a shrewd move by Marisha Wallace herself. Ticket sales for the upcoming concert have already spiked since the announcement, according to a theatre box-office manager I chatted with over a post-show drink. It’s the nostalgia factor combined with genuine star quality. More than ever, audiences crave feel-good moments, and the reunion of these three performers practically radiates positivity. It’s a testament to the lasting impression the WAITRESS cast made on the West End that even years later, the mere mention of their joint appearance ignites excitement.
If you’ve not yet experienced Marisha Wallace performing live, let me paint a picture. She sings with a raw, soulful passion that can make your heart flutter in one instant and bring you to tears the next. She’s had stints in HAIRSPRAY, OKLAHOMA!, GUYS AND DOLLS, and DREAMGIRLS, proving her versatility time and again. When she steps into a role, she doesn’t just inhabit it—she sets the stage ablaze. After all, not every performer can jump from big band numbers in HAIRSPRAY to country-tinged ballads in OKLAHOMA! without losing an ounce of authenticity.
Now, she’s commanding the spotlight as Sally Bowles in CABARET, starring opposite Billy Porter as the Emcee at the famed KIT KAT CLUB. Bowles is a character known for her contradictions: carefree yet tormented, naive yet worldly. By all accounts, Marisha Wallace has navigated these nuances so deftly that many critics are already calling her portrayal a must-see for any dedicated theatregoer. It’s this chameleon-like ability that has earned her multiple WhatsOnStage Award nominations. If that weren’t impressive enough, she’s also made high-profile appearances at the Royal Variety Performance, BBC’s Festival of Remembrance, and ITV’s CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER, where she showed off her effervescent personality far removed from the footlights.
The Adelphi Theatre is a fitting venue for what promises to be a triumphant homecoming. The last time Marisha Wallace, Lucie Jones, and Laura Baldwin shared this stage, they were slinging pies and belting out tunes in WAITRESS. This time, it’s all about Marisha Wallace’s solo show, fuelled by her infectious energy and unwavering ability to make each audience member feel like they’re part of something special. She has teased that the concert will be “packed with all the songs you know me for, together with many songs I just love to sing and that I know the audience will love.” So don’t be surprised if you hear a medley of iconic show tunes interspersed with contemporary hits from her personal playlist.
Expect this to be more than a mere medley, though. Marisha Wallace is renowned for her narrative through-song approach. She doesn’t simply line up numbers; she arranges them in a way that tells a story—sometimes about her upbringing, sometimes about her journey through showbiz, and sometimes about the universal themes we all share. In earlier concerts, she has performed personal renditions of everything from I Know Where I’ve Been to Don’t Rain On My Parade, always delivering a fresh twist that breathes new life into each standard.
Here’s the bit that intrigues me most: although WAITRESS fans already have reason to rejoice, I’ve heard whispers of a few additional surprises up Marisha Wallace’s sleeve. She’s collaborated with a range of artists over the years—everyone from big-name West End stars to rising singer-songwriters who dabble in jazz, R&B, and soul. One insider suggested there might be a surprise duet that revisits a beloved WAITRESS track with a brand-new arrangement. Another speculated that the show might give a cheeky nod to CABARET, possibly weaving in a fresh interpretation of Maybe This Time or Cabaret itself. If you thought combining pastries and heartbreak was magical, just wait until you see how she merges these worlds on stage.
To give credit where it’s due, the success of a concert like this also hinges on the behind-the-scenes team. From skilled lighting designers who capture that intimate jazz-club glow, to musical directors capable of balancing show-stopping power with quiet, soulful reflection, a lot goes into ensuring each moment on stage feels special. And given Marisha Wallace’s history, I’m betting she’s lined up top-tier collaborators to make every second count.
For those who like to follow theatre trends, here’s a morsel of data: according to a recent survey by the Society of London Theatre, West End audiences have been steadily returning to pre-2020 attendance levels, hungry for the grandeur of live shows. Post-pandemic, star-driven events—especially those featuring familiar faces—have seen some of the strongest ticket demands. While official figures for this concert aren’t publicly available yet, venue insiders suggest it’s already on track to surpass average single-night concert sales at the Adelphi. The boost in interest can also be traced to social media buzz: a quick glance at Twitter and Instagram reveals hundreds of fan posts about the WAITRESS reunion, often tagged #MarishaWallace or #WaitressReunion. It’s safe to say that if you want a seat, you’d better act quickly.
Plenty of performers have impressive CVs, but what sets Marisha Wallace apart is her authentic connection with audiences. After her emotional stint on Netflix’s FEEL GOOD—where she appeared as Marsha—many viewers were struck by her warmth on screen. She shares personal anecdotes about her life, her journey from a small town in the United States to the bright lights of the West End, and the challenges she’s faced along the way. With two studio albums under her belt—Soul Holiday and Tomorrow—she’s proven that her talent goes beyond the stage. These albums showcase her signature blend of soul, gospel, and musical theatre, offering fans a deeply personal window into her artistry.
Her philanthropic efforts also deserve a mention. During challenging times, Marisha Wallace supported various charitable causes, using her platform to perform benefit concerts and raise funds for arts organisations. She’s known for championing upcoming talent and regularly invites budding performers on stage to share in the spotlight. That generosity of spirit is central to who she is—both as an artist and as a person. It might just be her “secret sauce”: audiences don’t just watch her perform; they feel uplifted by the experience.
When the final note fades on 11 March, I predict that the Adelphi’s walls will still be humming with the afterglow of a magnificent night. If you’re on the fence, consider this: theatrical magic is ephemeral. You can replay cast recordings and stream behind-the-scenes videos, but the real enchantment lies in experiencing live voices united in harmony—particularly when they belong to performers with chemistry as genuine as this trio. Whether you’re a local or planning a special trip to London, this concert will likely be the talk of the West End for weeks to come.
If you ask me, that’s reason enough to be there. Life’s too short to miss out on moments that remind us why theatre is worth celebrating: the spontaneity, the shared laughter, the collective gasp at a final crescendo. Marisha Wallace’s biggest solo show yet, graced by some of the brightest stars to tread the Adelphi boards, promises a night of exceptional talent and heart. And in a world that sometimes feels bereft of that old-school theatrical magic, this is precisely the sort of event that rekindles the flame.
My advice? Snap up a ticket if you can. Because if you don’t, you’ll be hearing stories of the incredible WAITRESS reunion at the Adelphi—and I guarantee you’ll wish you’d witnessed it for yourself. Live theatre doesn’t just entertain; it invites us into a realm of possibility, reminding us all that even in the darkest times, a powerful voice and a poignant lyric can lift us higher. And that’s exactly what awaits you on 11 March.
Go and experience it. You’ll leave with a heart so full you’ll be ready to burst into song yourself. And that, dear reader, is the kind of theatrical magic that only Marisha Wallace can conjure.
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