Waitress in Sunderland 2026

Waitress musical serves up a delightful slice of life, blending humor and heart in a way you won’t soon forget. Experience the journey of a small-town waitress with big dreams at the Sunderland Empire from May 4 – May 9, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to savor this incredible story—grab your Waitress tickets now!

Waitress Sunderland Tickets

Date	Price	Tickets
Monday 04 May 2026 19:30	Waitress from £18.00	Tickets
Tuesday 05 May 2026 19:30	Waitress from £18.00	Tickets
Wednesday 06 May 2026 14:30	Waitress from £18.00	Tickets
Wednesday 06 May 2026 19:30	Waitress from £18.00	Tickets
Thursday 07 May 2026 19:30	Waitress from £18.00	Tickets
Friday 08 May 2026 19:30	Waitress from £18.00	Tickets
Saturday 09 May 2026 14:30	Waitress from £20.00	Tickets
Saturday 09 May 2026 19:30	Waitress from £20.00	Tickets

Click to see all upcoming dates and tickets in Sunderland

Click to see membership benefits and group bookings in Sunderland

Cast in Sunderland

The UK and Ireland tour of Waitress features a newly announced leading cast in the main roles.

• Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna
• Sandra Marvin as Becky
• Evelyn Hoskins as Dawn
• Les Dennis as Joe

The Venue: Sunderland Empire​

Waitress on Tour: Explore Upcoming Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Waitress playing in Sunderland in 2026?

Waitress is at the Sunderland Empire from Monday 4 May to Saturday 9 May 2026, as part of the 10th anniversary UK and Ireland tour.

What is Waitress about?

Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie-maker trapped in an unhappy and controlling marriage, who discovers she is pregnant and dreams of a better life, seeing a lucrative pie contest and an unexpected connection with her new doctor as possible ways to change her future.

What themes does the musical explore?

The musical explores themes of domestic abuse, self-worth, friendship, motherhood, infidelity, and the bravery it takes to leave a bad situation, using Jenna’s inventive pies as a warm and often funny way to show how she copes with her emotions and slowly finds the strength to start again.

Has Waitress received any major awards or nominations?

Waitress has earned several important nominations, including four Tony Award nominations on Broadway and two Olivier Award nominations in London, for Best New Musical and for Sara Bareilles’s music and lyrics in the Best Original Score or New Orchestrations category.

Who created the music and who is in the creative team?

The music and lyrics are by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, with a book by Jessie Nelson and direction by Diane Paulus, forming a female-led creative team whose modern pop-influenced score and emotionally honest storytelling helped the show become a much-loved hit in New York, London, and on tour.

Where is Waitress performed in Sunderland?

In May 2026, Waitress is performed at the Sunderland Empire, a large touring theatre in Sunderland city centre that regularly presents major West End and UK musical tours and offers a wide range of seating from stalls close to the stage up to dress circle and upper levels.

Who is starring in the Sunderland dates?

The Sunderland dates on the 2026 tour are part of the run led by Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna, though specific Sunderland casting is announced closer to the time and all appearances remain subject to change for reasons such as illness or scheduling.

How long does the performance of Waitress usually last?

The performance normally lasts around two and a half hours including an interval, so you should allow a full evening at the theatre and plan travel and parking so you can arrive in good time and leave the venue without rushing after the show.

Is Waitress suitable for children and families?

Waitress contains adult themes including domestic abuse, infidelity, pregnancy, and some strong language and sexual references, so it is generally recommended for teenagers and adults, with parental guidance advised and it not being ideal for younger children.

How can I get cheaper tickets for Waitress in Sunderland?

To get cheaper tickets, look at weekday performances instead of Friday or Saturday nights, choose upper-circle or side seats rather than the most expensive central stalls, book as early as you can before the lowest price bands sell out, and be flexible about where you sit so you can pick the best value section.

Are there discounts or special offers available?

You may save money through group discounts when booking several tickets together, early-booking or presale offers, and occasional midweek or off-peak promotions, so it helps to compare different dates and performance times and to keep an eye on any announced deals for remaining seats.

What is the best way to avoid overpaying for tickets?

To avoid overpaying, try to buy tickets at face value from official or well-known ticket sellers, compare prices across a few outlets before confirming, avoid inflated resale listings when standard tickets are still available, and avoid leaving booking so late that only premium or top-priced seats are left if you are on a budget.

Click to see your ticket’s current value