Les Dennis announced for stage tour of Victoria Wood’s dinnerladies

Originally created and written by comedy legend Victoria Wood, the TV sitcom dinnerladies ran for two acclaimed series and 16 episodes between 1998 and 2000. 

The new stage play has been written by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne and will be directed by double Olivier-award winner Sean Foley. It will feature all of the beloved characters from the original series and a storyline based on episodes from the sitcom.

Star of stage and screen, Les Dennis has been announced as Stan in the touring production with the full cast announcement expected at a later date.

The tour opens at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on 22nd January 2027 before heading to venues across the country, including Manchester, Milton Keynes, Bath, Cardiff and Hull. It is expected to run until August with tickets available now.

Tour dates 2027

A British classic

Dinnerladies takes place in the canteen of a fictional Manchester factory, HWD Components, and follows the lives, friendships and workplace dramas of the staff and regulars who gather there every day.

The stage show will reunite audiences with the much-loved characters of Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, Philippa and Stan in a funny and affectionate take on working class life in Britain. 

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 theatregoers across the UK straight back to the delights of the canteen and characters they grew to love.”

Initial cast confirmed

Les Dennis is the first cast member to be confirmed, starring as maintenance man Stan. Les 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 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!”

Les has extensive stage experience spanning the West End, Royal Shakespeare Company and touring productions, including Hairspray, where he starred opposite Michael Ball, Chicago, Spamalot and The Addams Family. He’s currently starring as Old Joe in the UK tour of Waitress.