The Victoria Wood Estate has announced the return of the iconic sitcom dinnerladies in a new stage adaptation for 2027, marking the first piece of Victoria Wood's work to be commissioned by the Estate. The tour will visit the Liverpool Empire theatre from Tuesday, July 13 to Saturday, July 17, 2027.
Original Series Legacy
Originally created, written, and starring comedy legend Victoria Wood, dinnerladies aired on BBC One for two series and 16 episodes between 1998 and 2000. It won a British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy in 2000. The sitcom was set in the canteen of fictional Manchester factory HWD Components, following the lives, friendships, and workplace dramas of the staff and regulars.
Stage Adaptation Details
The new show features a storyline inspired by the original TV sitcom episodes and characters. Les Dennis has been announced to play maintenance man Stan, with further star casting to be revealed soon. The adaptation will include all beloved characters: Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, Philippa, and Stan.
Speaking about joining the production, 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!”
Estate's Statement
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."
Tour and Tickets
The dinnerladies stage tour will be at the Liverpool Empire theatre from Tuesday, July 13 until Saturday, July 17, 2027. Tickets are available via ATGTickets.
