A host of soap stars are heading to Teesside as a much-loved TV comedy makes its way to the stage.
Sue Cleaver, Karen Henthorn and Les Dennis will star in the major UK tour of Dinnerladies, which arrives in Stockton next year.
Sue Cleaver as Jean (Image: Michael Wharley)
The trio will lead Victoria Wood's stage adaptation of the sitcom at the Stockton Globe from March 9 to March 13, 2027.
Full casting for the production was announced this week, with former Coronation Street stars Sue Cleaver and Karen Henthorn taking on the roles of sarcastic canteen worker Jean and sharp-tongued Dolly, while television favourite Les Dennis will play dependable maintenance man Stan.
Les Dennis as Stan (Image: Michael Wharley)
Amy Drake, known for Brassic and Alma's Not Normal, will play deputy canteen manager Bren - the role originally played by Victoria Wood.
The wider cast includes names such as Gemma Dobson, Faye Weerasinghe, Jimmy Fairhurst, and Josie Brightwell.
The Victoria Wood Estate commissioned the show, with Beth and Emma Kilcoyne adapting it and double Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley directing.
Following its Manchester premiere in January, Dinnerladies will tour the UK under the direction of double Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley, with Beth and Emma Kilcoyne adapting the sitcom for the stage.
Speaking about joining the tour, 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.
"It's an absolute joy to be returning to play such a fantastic character as feisty Jean."
Karen Henthorn as Dolly (Image: Michael Wharley)
Henthorn added: "This is a proper dream come true for me.
"I used to love watching Dinnerladies as it was such a hilarious and heartwarming sitcom, so I cannot wait to bring the snooty snipes from Dolly to life on stage."
Created, written by and starring Victoria Wood, Dinnerladies ran for two series and 16 episodes from 1998 to 2000.
Set in the canteen of fictional Manchester factory HWD Components, the show followed staff and regulars through friendships, workplace dramas and everyday life.
dinnerladies heads to the Stockton Globe in March 2027. (Image: Stockton Globe)
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A previous stage adaptation toured the UK in 2009, drawing on several episodes and focusing on the romance between canteen worker Bren and catering manager Tony.
More than 25 years after it first aired, the adaptation will revive its characters and bring back the sitcom's nostalgic humour and sharp observations of working life.
Victoria Wood's Dinnerladies will be at the Stockton Globe from March 9 to March 13, 2027, with tickets on sale through the theatre website.