The full cast has been revealed for the brand-new stage adaptation of Victoria Wood’s beloved sitcom dinnerladies, which will embark on a major UK tour in 2027.
Commissioned by the Victoria Wood Estate and presented in association with Phil McIntyre Live and Sustainable Entertainment, the production has been adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne and is directed by double Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley.
The tour will premiere at Manchester Opera House in January before visiting theatres across the UK through to August 2027, bringing Wood’s much-loved characters and razor-sharp wit to audiences nationwide.
Leading the cast is Les Dennis as dependable maintenance man Stan. Joining him are television favourites Sue Cleaver as the sarcastic Jean and Karen Henthorn as sharp-tongued Dolly.
Amy Drake takes on the role of kind-hearted Deputy Canteen Manager Bren, originally played by Victoria Wood herself, while Gemma Dobson will play cynical young Twinkle and Faye Weerasinghe stars as her well-meaning colleague Anita.
Also joining the company are Jimmy Fairhurst as Tony, Josie Brightwell as Petula, Rachel Marwood as Jane and Rachel Pickup as Philippa. Completing the ensemble are Sarah Dearlove, Alex Frost, Matthew Gordon, Angela Heenan and Tyne Pearson.
The new production features a storyline drawn directly from the original BBC sitcom, which ran for two acclaimed series between 1998 and 2000 and won the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy in 2000.
Speaking on joining the production, Sue Cleaver said: “I am beyond thrilled to be joining the cast of dinnerladies on tour: I was honoured to have a regular role on the show itself and to work alongside the legendary Victoria Wood many moons ago so it’s an absolute joy to be returning to play such a fantastic character as feisty Jean! I cannot wait to get out on the road and whip up a storm in the kitchen alongside such a stellar cast.”
Karen Henthorn said: “This is a proper dream come true for me. I used to love watching dinnerladies as it was such a hilarious and heartwarming sitcom so I cannot wait to bring the snooty snipes from Dolly to life on stage and hear audiences laughing up and down the country.”
Les Dennis added: “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.”
Originally created, written by and starring Victoria Wood, dinnerladies remains one of British television’s most beloved sitcoms, celebrated for its warmth, humour and affectionate portrayal of everyday working life.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
