Victoria Wood's: Dinnerladies is coming to Milton Keynes Theatre

Presented by The Victoria Wood Estate in association with Phil McIntyre Live and Sustainable Entertainment, the iconic sitcom has been adapted for the stage by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne and is directed by double Olivier Award winner Sean Foley. The production reunites the much-loved original TV characters in a new story inspired by the classic series.

Originally created, written by and starring comedy legend Victoria Wood, dinnerladies ran for two acclaimed series and 16 episodes between 1998 and 2000. Set in the canteen of the fictional Manchester factory HWD Components, the award-winning sitcom followed the lives, friendships and workplace dramas of its staff and regular customers, earning widespread praise for its warmth, wit and unforgettable characters. It won the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy in 2000.

Audiences will once again step into the familiar world of dinnerladies, with favourite characters including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, Philippa and Stan returning to the stage. Whether you're revisiting a beloved classic or discovering it for the first time, dinnerladies promises an evening filled with laughter, nostalgia and plenty of heart.

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.”

Speaking about joining the production, Les Dennis added: “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!”