Busted bassist Matt Willis and Emmerdale actress Chelsea Halfpenny are serving up a slice of musical comedy as Waitress comes to three Kent theatres.

The West End musical makes its first stop at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley on Monday, February 21, before visiting the Orchard Theatre in Dartford in July. It will be making its final stop in the county at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre in August.

Chelsea, best known for her television roles in Emmerdale and Casualty, is no stranger to the stage. She paid homage to country singer Dolly Parton with her starring role in 9 to 5: The Musical before landing the part of Jenna in Waitress.

The show follows expert pie-maker and hopeless daydreamer Jenna as she overcomes obstacles and discovers the perfect recipe for a better life. Helping her find happiness is the new doctor in town, Dr Pomatter, played by musician Matt Willis.

Matt first found fame as a teenager in ‘00s boy band, Busted. He has since made a name for himself in musical theatre, appearing in shows such as A Christmas Carol, Wicked and Little Shop of Horrors.

While he will hit the stage in Bromley, it is yet to be confirmed whether Matt will continue playing the role of Dr Pomatter for the Dartford and Canterbury dates.

Waitress made its West End debut in 2019, but was forced to close four months earlier than planned in March 2020 due the pandemic. The production is now hitting the road for its UK tour, despite being postponed for almost 18 months.

With a female-led creative team at the helm, including Grammy-winner Sara Bareilles, screenwriter Jessie Nelson and director Diane Paulus, Waitress has also impressed audiences on Broadway and across Europe.

The show runs at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley from Monday, February 21 to Saturday, February 26. Ticket prices range from £27 to £57. Book online here or call the box office on 03433 100 020.

The show runs at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford from Monday, July 4 to Saturday, July 9. Ticket prices range from £34.50 to £54.50. Book online here or call the box office on 03433 100 033.

The show runs at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from Monday, August 1 to Saturday, August 6. Ticket prices range from £15 to £55. Book online here or call the box office on 01227 787 787.