Full casting announced for UK tour of Victoria Wood’s dinnerladies

Full casting has been announced for the brand-new stage adaptation of the iconic Victoria Wood sitcom, dinnerladies.

Les Dennis stars as dependable maintenance man, Stan and serving in the famous canteen are TV favourites Sue Cleaver as Jean and Karen Henthorn as sharp-tongued Dolly.

Amy Drake will be filling the iconic role Victoria Wood embodied, as kind-hearted Deputy Canteen Manager, Bren. Joining them are the beloved characters audiences will know and love including; cynical young Twinkle, played by Gemma Dobson and her endearingly naïve co-worker Anita, played by Faye Weerasinghe.

Mild-mannered Canteen Manager Tony is Jimmy Fairhurst while Petula, Bren’s chaotic mother, is portrayed by Josie Brightwell. Loveable canteen regular Jane is played by Rachel Marwood and portraying scatty Human Resources manager Philippa is Rachel Pickup.

The new show has a storyline drawn directly from the treasured original BBC sitcom featuring Victoria’s inimitable dialogue. 

Speaking about 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.”

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.”

dinnerladies ran for two acclaimed series between 1998 and 2000, winning widespread critical plaudits and a devoted audience for its warmth, wit and brilliantly observed characters.

Winning a British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy in 2000, the sitcom was set in the canteen of fictional Manchester factory HWD Components, and followed the lives, friendships and workplace dramas of the staff and regulars who gathered there every day.
 
Tickets for dinnerladies are available now at dinnerladiestheplay.co.uk.