New York actress Desi Oakley to play Jenna in Waitress musical this week

New York City-based actress Desi Oakley is set to make her West End debut in Waitress Musical, after the three cast members who play Jenna have fallen ill. As Lucie, Olivia, and Sarah recover, the producers made the decision to fly Desi Oakley over from New York to ensure that the show will go ahead on Monday and all this coming week. Desi played the role of Jenna in the US tour of Waitress. 

On Saturday 11th January, principal Jenna, Lucie Jones, and understudies Olivia Moore and Sarah O'Connor were taken ill so the show's producers made the decision to cancel both the matinee and evening performances, but it was too late for the box office to contact all ticket-holders for the performances.

The company worked to put together a presentation of songs from the show that the remaining company members could perform to audiences members who turned up. The company performed I Didn't Plan It, When He Sees Me, Never Getting Rid Of Me and the finale version of Opening Up.

All audience members for both performances were given letters explaining how they could claim a refund.