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Sue Cleaver, known for her role in Coronation Street, is set to star in a stage adaptation of Victoria Wood's sitcom "Dinnerladies." The production, commissioned by Wood’s estate after her death in 2016, opens at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on January 22. Cleaver praises Wood’s unique writing style and expresses confidence that audiences will enjoy the show’s faithful portrayal of the original series.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-10-05,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Sue Cleaver, a 63-year-old actress known for her role in ITV's Coronation Street, is set to join the stage play adaptation of Victoria Wood's "Dinnerladies". The play, commissioned by Wood’s estate after her death in 2016 at age 62, aims to celebrate Wood’s legacy and writing style. Cleaver expressed enthusiasm about being part of the production, stating that it is a “celebration of Vic’s work.” She highlighted the unique quality of Wood's writing, noting that no one writes comedy like Victoria Wood, describing her ability to bring everyday life to audiences with sharp wit and warmth. The original sitcom aired on BBC from 1998 to 2000 and followed the staff at a factory canteen in Manchester. Cleaver assured fans that the play would stay true to the show’s spirit, emphasizing her familiarity with Wood's distinctive voice and ensuring its authenticity.
Written for “Victoria Wood Legacy Celebrated” on 2026-10-05,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
The 63-year-old actress, known for starring in ITV soap Coronation Street, is among the famous faces joining the new production, which is the first to be commissioned by Wood’s estate since her death in 2016 at the age of 62.
asserted
which → know → 62
“I’m thrilled to be doing it.
asserted
I → ’m → it
It’s such a celebration of Vic’s work – it’s about the celebration of her and her legacy.
asserted
it → ’ → her
“I think she’d be over the moon and I am very excited to be a part of it.”
asserted
I → think → it
Cleaver added: “There’s no way (the audience) are not going to be able to enjoy this show.
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audience → add → show
“It’s a British classic and nobody writes the way Vic writes.
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Vic → ’ → way
“If you’ve never been in a theatre in your life, make this the one time that you do come – because it won’t let you down.”
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it → make → you
The sitcom, created, written and co-produced by Wood, aired on the BBC from 1998 to 2000 and followed the workplace dramas of the staff and regulars in a canteen at a factory in Manchester.
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sitcom → create → Manchester
“(Wood) brought the ordinary to life with sharp, warm, witty, lovely comedy,” Cleaver told PA.
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Cleaver → bring → PA
The actress said the play is “very true to the show” and Wood’s writing, adding: “I just know her work so well, and there will always be a Vic voice in the back of my head.
“I will be listening for those little moments of that popping through, keeping true to how she wrote it.”
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she → say → it
Cleaver will be joined in the play by EastEnders star Karen Henthorn, who will play snobby canteen worker Dolly Bellfield, and described her new role as a “dream come true”.
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who → join → dream
“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 and hear audiences laughing up and down the country,” Henthorn added.
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Henthorn → use → country
Amy Drake will step into Wood’s role as deputy canteen manager Brenda “Bren” Furlong, while Gemma Dobson will play her cynical young employee Twinkle.
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Dobson → step → employee
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Emmerdale actor Jimmy Fairhurst will portray canteen manager Tony Martin, while Waterloo Road actress Rachel Marwood stars as canteen regular Jane.
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Marwood → read → Jane
Other characters include naive canteen worker Anita (Faye Weerasinghe), scatty human resources manager Philippa (Rachel Pickup) and Bren’s mother Petula (Josie Brightwell), with Sarah Dearlove, Alex Frost, Matthew Gordon, Angela Heenan and Tyne Pearson also among the cast.
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Dearlove → include → cast
It was previously announced that Les Dennis will star as opinionated but well-meaning maintenance man Stan, the role played on TV by Duncan Preston.
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Dennis → announce → Preston
The new play is directed by Sean Foley, and has been adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne.
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play → direct → Kilcoyne
It will open at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on January 22 before a run at the Manchester Opera House and a national tour.
asserted
It → open → House
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