Victoria Wood’s beloved sitcom Dinnerladies is set to return as a touring stage production more than 25 years after it first graced television screens, with fans seemingly split about the decision.
The theatre adaptation, announced on Monday, represents the inaugural piece of new work based on Ms Wood’s catalogue to receive approval from her estate following the comedian’s death in 2016 at age 62.
Twin sisters Beth and Emma Kilcoyne have penned the script, with double Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley attached to direct.
The production launches at Manchester’s Opera House on January 26, 2027, subsequently travelling to venues across England and Wales through to August.
Phil McIntyre Live and Sustainable Entertainment are producing alongside the Victoria Wood Estate
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Phil McIntyre Live and Sustainable Entertainment are producing alongside the Victoria Wood Estate.
A spokesperson for the estate expressed hope the show “will take theatregoers straight back to the delights of the canteen and characters they grew to love.”
However, reaction on social media has been divided following the announcement.
Some fans expressed delight at the news, with one X user recalling attending recordings of two original episodes and declaring the show “still funny as hell” regardless of repeat viewings.
The original BBC One series aired between 1998 and 2000, spanning 16 episodes across two series and attracting an average of 10 million viewers
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Others offered simple enthusiasm, responding with “Fantastic!” to the touring production news.
However, criticism emerged regarding the tour’s geographical scope, with several users noting the absence of Scottish venues from the schedule.
“Not a UK Tour if you don’t venture a foot into Scotland. Absolute pet hate with marketing,” wrote one disgruntled commenter.
Another simply remarked: “No Scottish dates? Tut.”
BBC Dinnerladies fans gave a mixed response to the news
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Some fans have already begun speculating about potential casting, suggesting names including Kerry Godliman, Sally Phillips and Barbara Nice for the lead role of Bren.
Les Dennis has been confirmed as the first cast member, taking on the role of maintenance man Stan.
The entertainer, known for his work on Coronation Street, shared a personal connection to Ms Wood stretching back decades.
“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,” Mr Dennis said.
Set in the canteen of a fictional Manchester factory, the programme earned a British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy in 2000
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“I was always such a fan of her – both as a person, and as a comedic voice.”
He described the touring production as “a perfect way to keep her legacy alive” and promised audiences would be “in for a real treat” once they heard director Mr Foley’s vision for the show.
The remaining cast members are yet to be revealed.
The original BBC One series aired between 1998 and 2000, spanning 16 episodes across two series and attracting an average of 10 million viewers, with peak audiences reaching 15.3 million.
Dinnerladies is being rebooted for the stage
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VICTORIA WOOD’S DINNERLADIES: A NEW STAGE ADAPTATION
Set in the canteen of a fictional Manchester factory, the programme earned a British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy in 2000.
In a 2018 documentary reflecting on the series, cast member Andrew Dunn remarked: “When you look at Dinnerladies, you can’t believe how much she packed into each episode. It was an extraordinary talent.”
Co-star Anne Reid recalled Wood’s commitment to authenticity: “Vic always said that she had to live an ordinary life. She’d travel on buses and trains and stay in Premier Inns because that’s where she got her material from.”
Tickets for the opening Manchester dates go on sale on Friday.