Victoria Wood's beloved sitcom dinnerladies is being adapted into a new stage show that will tour the UK in 2027, with Les Dennis set to star as maintenance man Stan. The production will premiere at the Manchester Opera House from January 26 to February 6, 2027.
First Commission from Victoria Wood Estate
This marks the first piece of Wood's work to be commissioned by the Victoria Wood Estate, established after her death in 2016 at age 62. The sitcom originally aired on the BBC for two series from 1998 to 2000, winning the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy in 2000 and ranking 28th in the BBC's Britain's Best Sitcom poll in 2004.
Storyline and Characters
Set in the canteen of fictional Manchester factory HWD Components, the sitcom followed the lives, friendships, and workplace dramas of staff and regulars. The stage adaptation, based on a storyline inspired by the original episodes, will feature beloved characters including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, and Philippa.
The adaptation is by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne, directed by double Olivier-award winner Sean Foley. 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… will take theatre goers across the UK straight back to the delights of the canteen and characters they grew to love.”
Les Dennis Joins Cast
Les Dennis, who recently appeared in the UK tour of Waitress, will play Stan. He 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!”
Tour Dates and Tickets
The production begins at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on January 22 and 23, 2027, before moving to Manchester's Opera House from January 26 to February 6. Tickets go on sale July 3, 2026, via ATG. The tour continues to Llandudno, Birmingham, Blackpool, Ipswich, Leeds, Liverpool, and Sheffield, concluding at Southend from August 3 to 7, 2027.
