Victoria Wood’s acclaimed sitcom Dinnerladies is set to return with a new stage adaptation, over a quarter of a century since its television debut. The production marks a significant moment, being the first commissioned by the late comedian’s estate since her death in 2016 at the age of 62.
Veteran entertainer Les Dennis has been cast as maintenance man Stan, with the full ensemble for the Dinnerladies stage show yet to be announced. The new play promises a story inspired by the original TV series, bringing back beloved characters including Stan, Bren, Tony, Dolly, Jean, Twinkle, and Anita, all set within the familiar Manchester canteen.
The original sitcom, created, written, and co-produced by Wood herself, aired on the BBC from 1998 to 2000. It starred Wood alongside Thelma Barlow, Maxine Peake, Shobna Gulati, and Anne Reid. The series was almost entirely set in the canteen of HWD Components, a fictional factory, chronicling the lives, friendships, and workplace dramas of its staff and regulars.
Les Dennis will step into the role of Stan, originally played by Duncan Preston, portraying the opinionated yet well-meaning maintenance man responsible for the factory’s upkeep.
Recognised as one of Britain’s best sitcoms, the show garnered two Bafta nominations during its run. This upcoming production is not the first theatrical venture for Dinnerladies; a previous play premiered in London in April 2009, based on three episodes from the second series, focusing on the romance between Wood’s character Bren and her suitor Tony. Another adaptation, Dinnerladies: Second Helpings, toured in 2011 with a fresh script.
The new play, adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne and directed by Sean Foley, is scheduled to premiere in 2027, with tickets going on sale this week.
The Victoria Wood Estate expressed their enthusiasm in a statement: “We are delighted to be bringing the joy of Victoria Wood’s much-loved classic Dinnerladies back to the nation after more than 25 years. We hope that this new stage adaptation by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne and directed by Sean Foley – featuring a story inspired by the original TV series – will take theatre-goers across the UK straight back to the delights of the canteen and characters they grew to love.”
Les Dennis shared his excitement: “I’m so thrilled to be on board with this new production of Victoria Wood’s Dinnerladies. I’m lucky enough to say I knew Victoria – she and I performed on the comedy circuit in the 1970s and were both finalists on New Faces. I was always such a fan of her – both as a person, and as a comedic voice. Being part of this tour and seeing these beloved northern working-class characters brought to the stage is a perfect way to keep her legacy alive. I’m the first cast member to be announced as Stan, and I can’t wait to see which fantastic actresses will be bringing these amazing Dinnerladies characters to life – they’re all such fantastic roles. I think fans of Victoria will be in for a real treat after hearing director Sean Foley’s plans for this tour!”
The tour is set to commence at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on 22 January 2027, followed by a run at the Manchester Opera House and a subsequent national tour.
