Victoria Wood’s beloved sitcom dinnerladies is returning, and this time the canteen is heading for the stage. More than 25 years after the BBC One comedy first aired, a brand-new theatre adaptation has been announced for a 2027 UK tour, with Les Dennis confirmed to star as Stan.

Warm, sharp, northern and full of brilliantly observed everyday humour, dinnerladies remains one of Victoria Wood’s best-loved creations. Now a new generation of theatre audiences will get the chance to meet Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, Philippa and Stan all over again.

1. dinnerladies is officially coming back

The Victoria Wood Estate has announced a new stage adaptation of dinnerladies, making it the first piece of Victoria Wood’s work to be commissioned by the Estate. The show has been adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne and will be directed by double Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley.

The production will feature a new storyline inspired by the original TV episodes and characters, bringing the world of the factory canteen back to life.

2. Les Dennis will play Stan

Les Dennis has been confirmed as the first cast member for the dinnerladies 2027 UK tour. He will play maintenance man Stan, one of the show’s most familiar characters.

Dennis has spoken about his admiration for Victoria Wood, saying he knew her from the comedy circuit in the 1970s and was always a fan of her as both a person and a comic voice. His casting gives the production an extra link to classic British comedy.

3. The original characters are returning

Fans can expect to see many of the much-loved dinnerladies characters on stage, including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, Philippa and Stan.

The original sitcom was set in the canteen of fictional Manchester factory HWD Components. Across just two series and 16 episodes, it became a British comedy favourite, known for its warmth, quick dialogue and affectionate portrayal of ordinary working life.

4. The tour will travel across the UK in 2027

The dinnerladies UK tour will run from 22 January to 7 August 2027, visiting major theatres across the country. Venues include Churchill Theatre Bromley, Manchester Opera House, Theatre Royal Bath, Birmingham Hippodrome, New Theatre Cardiff, New Theatre Wimbledon, G Live Guildford, Liverpool Empire, The Hexagon Reading, Sheffield City Hall and Cliffs Pavilion Southend.

It is a proper national tour, so fans from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Guildford, Liverpool, Reading, Sheffield and beyond will all have the chance to see the show.

5. Tickets are going on sale

Tickets for selected theatres go on sale from 29 June, with other venues following in early July. Full ticket information is available from dinnerladiestheplay.com.

For long-time fans, this is a chance to step back into one of British television’s most comforting comedy worlds. For newcomers, it could be the perfect introduction to Victoria Wood’s wit, warmth and unforgettable characters.

Victoria Wood’s dinnerladies was always about more than a workplace canteen. It was about friendship, gossip, loneliness, love, class, kindness and the strange little dramas that fill an ordinary day. That is why its return to the stage feels like such welcome news.