More than a quarter of a century after it first aired on BBC One, the much-loved Victoria Wood sitcom dinnerladies is being brought to the stage in a brand-new adaptation for 2027.

Adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne and directed by double Olivier Award winner Sean Foley, the production premieres at Manchester Opera House in January before embarking on a major UK tour through to August.

As part of the tour, it will visit Birmingham Hippodrome from 2 - 6 March, Regent Theatre, Stoke from 8 - 12 June, and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on 5 July, giving Midlands audiences the chance to rediscover one of Britain's most beloved sitcoms.

The new stage show features a storyline inspired by the original TV sitcom and its much-loved characters. Les Dennis (Coronation Street, Only Fools and Horses The Musical) will star as maintenance man Stan, with further casting to be announced. 

Originally created, written by and starring comedy legend Victoria Wood, dinnerladies ran for two acclaimed series and 16 episodes between 1998 and 2000, winning widespread critical acclaim for its warmth, wit and brilliantly observed characters. Set in the canteen of the fictional Manchester factory HWD Components, the sitcom won the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy in 2000 and remains one of Britain's best-loved comedies.

Now, audiences will once again be reunited with the unforgettable world of dinnerladies and its affectionate portrayal of everyday working British life. This new adaptation brings back all the much-loved characters that made the show a comedy classic, including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, Philippa and Stan. Whether revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, dinnerladies promises a hilarious night out packed with heart, nostalgia and plenty of surprises.

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 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'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!"

Tickets for selected theatres go on sale from 29 June at dinnerladiestheplay.com.