Victoria Wood's beloved sitcom Dinnerladies is set to return as a stage adaptation, more than 25 years after its television debut. The show has been commissioned by the estate of the late comedian, marking the first such project since her death in 2016 at age 62.
Les Dennis to Star as Stan
Les Dennis will play maintenance man Stan, a role originally portrayed by Duncan Preston on TV. Stan is described as opinionated but well-meaning, responsible for cleaning the factory and fixing equipment. The full cast of Dinnerladies is yet to be announced.
Story and Creative Team
The stage show will feature a story inspired by the original TV series, bringing back beloved characters including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Jean, Twinkle, Anita, and others from the Manchester canteen. Adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne, the play will be directed by Sean Foley. It is set to premiere in 2027, with tickets going on sale this week.
Legacy and Previous Adaptations
The sitcom, created, written, and co-produced by Wood, aired on the BBC from 1998 to 2000. It starred Wood, Thelma Barlow, Maxine Peake, Shobna Gulati, and Anne Reid. Set almost entirely in the canteen of HWD Components, a fictional factory in Manchester, the series followed the lives, friendships, and workplace dramas of the staff and regulars. The show has appeared on lists of best British sitcoms and was nominated for two Baftas. This is not the first stage adaptation; a previous play premiered in London in April 2009, based on three episodes of the second series, focusing on the romance between Bren and her suitor Tony. Another show, Dinnerladies: Second Helpings, toured in 2011 with a new script.
Statements from Estate and Dennis
The Victoria Wood Estate said 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.”
Dennis added: “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
The tour will kick off at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on January 22, 2027, before a run at the Manchester Opera House and a national tour.
