The full cast has been announced for the new stage adaptation of Victoria Wood's sitcom dinnerladies, with the show set to run at Liverpool's Empire Theatre in July 2027.
More than 25 years after the series first aired on BBC One, the new stage production is the first piece of Victoria Wood's work to be commissioned by her dedicated Estate. The sitcom, created, written by and starring Wood, ran for two series and 16 episodes between 1998 and 2000, winning a British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy in 2000.
Cast revealed for the canteen
The show features a storyline inspired by the original TV episodes and characters. Les Dennis has been confirmed as maintenance man Stan, with further star casting now revealed. Sue Cleaver, known for Coronation Street, plays sarcastic Jean, while Karen Henthorn, from EastEnders, takes on the role of sharp-tongued Dolly. Amy Drake, of Brassic and Alma's Not Normal, fills the iconic role Victoria Wood embodied as kind-hearted Deputy Canteen Manager Bren.
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.
Tour dates and tickets
“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 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."
Dinnerladies will be at the Liverpool Empire from Tuesday, July 13 until Saturday, July 17, 2027, with tickets available via ATG Tickets.
