More than 25 years after it first aired on BBC One, Victoria Wood's much loved sitcom dinnerladies is returning in a brand new stage adaptation. The production will visit Manchester Opera House in January and February 2027 as part of a nationwide tour, with Les Dennis confirmed in the role of Stan.
The Victoria Wood Estate has announced the first new commission of one of Victoria Wood's works since her death, with a stage adaptation of dinnerladies set to tour the UK throughout 2027.
Produced in association with Phil McIntyre Live and Sustainable Entertainment, the show has been adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne and will be directed by double Olivier Award winner Sean Foley.
The tour will open at Churchill Theatre in Bromley on 22nd January before arriving at Manchester Opera House from 26th January to 6th February. It will then continue to theatres across the UK until August.
The new production features a story inspired by the original television sitcom and reunites audiences with many of the characters who made the series a favourite with viewers, including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, Philippa and Stan.
Les Dennis is the first cast member to be announced and will play factory maintenance man Stan. Further casting is expected to be revealed in the coming months.
Originally created, written by and starring Victoria Wood, dinnerladies ran for two series between 1998 and 2000. Set in the canteen of fictional Manchester factory HWD Components, the sitcom became one of Britain's best loved comedies thanks to its sharp humour and affectionate portrayal of everyday working life. It won the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy in 2000.
The Victoria Wood Estate said, "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 said, "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."
Tickets for selected venues go on sale from 29th June, with Manchester Opera House tickets available from 3rd July through the official production website.
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