Waitress to Open in Sydney in 2026

Broadway & West End smash-hit musical Waitress will make its long-awaited Australian debut, opening at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in July 2026.

The heartwarming and empowering musical – inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film – features a book by Jessie Nelson, an original score by Grammy® Award-winner Sara Bareilles (“Love Song,” “Brave”), and direction by Tony® Award-winner Diane Paulus.

“It’s been a dream of mine to see Waitress finally find its way to Australia,” said Sara Bareilles. “This story is about dreams, friendship and the courage needed to learn to love oneself, which feels so universal, and so timely. I’m so excited for Sydney audiences to experience Waitress.”

Produced by John Frost for Crossroads Live, the Australian premiere brings the international hit to local audiences for the first time. “Waitress became a huge hit on Broadway where it played for almost four years,” said Frost. “It’s a show full of hope and resilience, with music that has touched audiences around the world.”

A Musical Baked from the Heart

The story follows Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of escaping her rocky marriage. When a baking contest, an unexpected new romance, and the support of her fellow waitresses offer her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she ever imagined.

Sweet, sassy and soul-stirring, Waitress is “a little slice of heaven” (Entertainment Weekly) and “made from the finest ingredients” (Time Out).

Tickets will go on sale later this month.

Waitress in London

Waitress premiered in London at the Adelphi Theatre on 8 February 2019, starring American singer and actress Katharine McPhee as Jenna, alongside Marisha Wallace (Cabaret, Guys and Dolls, Dreamgirls) as Becky, Laura Baldwin (101 Dalmatians) as Dawn, Peter Hannah (Wild Rose The Musical) as Earl, David Hunter (13 Going on 30, Kinky Boots) as Dr. Pomatter, and 30 Rock’s Jack McBrayer as Ogie. Lucie Jones (Wicked, Les Miserables) took over the lead role from McPhee and headlined the show until it closed.

The production began preview performances on 8 February 2019, officially opening on 7 March 2019, and was due to complete its London engagement at the Adelphi Theatre on 4 July 2020. The final performance was held on 14 March 2020 due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

David Hunter & Lucie Jones in Waitress The Musical, sat on a bench looking at each other — David Hunter & Lucie Jones in Waitress, Adelphi Theatre (2019) (photo via PR)

10th Anniversary Celebrations

The Australian premiere comes as Waitress celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking ten years since its original Broadway opening in 2016. Alongside the Sydney production, a new UK and Ireland tour will launch in 2026 starring Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna — continuing the show’s international success and fan-favourite status.

The Australian premiere comes as Waitress celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking ten years since its original Broadway opening in 2016.

To celebrate the milestone, a major new UK and Ireland tour will launch in 2026, led by West End star Carrie Hope Fletcher (Elf TheMusical) in the role of Jenna for a limited run. The production will open at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 28 March 2026 before visiting more than 25 venues across the UK and Ireland, including Brighton, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin, Manchester, and Cardiff.

Waitress new tour to star Carrie Hope Fletcher

Fletcher, known for her acclaimed performances in Cinderella, Heathers, and Les Misérables, joins a new company bringing Sara Bareilles’ beloved musical back to UK audiences following its West End run.

More about Waitress – UK Tour – tickets & dates

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Main photo: Canadian company of WAITRESS (c) Marie-Andrée Lemire