Dinnerladies serves up a huge return to Liverpool in an all-new stage show

Over 25 years later, the legendary Victoria Wood sitcom is being reborn for a major 2027 UK tour.

The Victoria Wood Estate, partnering with Phil McIntyre Live and Sustainable Entertainment, is thrilled to announce the comeback of Victoria Wood’s legendary sitcom, Dinnerladies. Marking over 25 years since its BBC One debut, this vibrant new theatrical adaptation for 2027 represents the very first production authorised by the Estate.

The script has been penned by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne, under the direction of two-time Olivier Award winner Sean Foley.

This fresh production features a narrative drawn directly from the beloved episodes and personalities of the original television series. With Les Dennis (Coronation Street, Only Fools and Horses The Musical) already on board as the handyman Stan, additional star-studded casting choices will be revealed in the near future.

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!”

Originally dreamed up, penned by, and starring the irreplaceable Victoria Wood, Dinnerladies spanned two highly praised seasons and 16 episodes from 1998 to 2000. It earned massive critical acclaim and a fiercely loyal fanbase thanks to its heart, sharp humour, and masterfully crafted characters.

Taking home the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy in 2000, the show took place in the staff canteen of HWD Components, a fictional factory in Manchester, tracking the daily lives, bonds, and workplace antics of the employees and regulars. Now, theatregoers can step right back into the unforgettable universe of Dinnerladies and its warm depiction of ordinary British working-class life.

This brand-new version welcomes back all the iconic characters who cemented the show’s status as a British masterpiece, including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, Philippa, and Stan. Whether it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane or your very first introduction, Dinnerladies delivers a side-splitting evening at the theatre full of warmth, nostalgia, and unexpected twists.

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.”