A soap star is swapping the cobbles for the stage as a new adaptation of a hit sitcom comes to Ipswich.
Sue Cleaver, best known for her long-running role as Eileen Grimshaw on Coronation Street, will star in Dinnerladies, a stage version of Victoria Wood’s classic comedy.
It will be performed at the Regent Theatre in Ipswich, where it will run from Tuesday, May 4 to Saturday, May 8, 2027.
Ms Cleaver said: "When I heard that they were planning to do it, I said to my agent, 'I better be in that!'
"I’m thrilled to be doing it.
"It’s such a celebration of Vic’s work – it’s about the celebration of her and her legacy.
"I think she’d be over the moon and I am very excited to be a part of it."
Sign up for the What's On newsletter to keep up to date with the latest event news
This marks the first stage adaptation of Dinnerladies to be commissioned by Victoria Wood’s estate since her death in 2016.
Ms Cleaver appeared in the original BBC sitcom as a recurring character and will now take on the role of Jean, the canteen worker originally played by Anne Reid.
Created, written, and co-produced by Wood, Dinnerladies aired on the BBC from 1998 to 2000.
The sitcom followed the workplace dramas of the staff and regulars in a canteen at a factory in Manchester.
READ MORE: Neighbours star coming to Suffolk in new royal drama
Ms Cleaver said: "(Wood) brought the ordinary to life with sharp, warm, witty, lovely comedy."
She described the stage adaptation as "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."
The cast also includes EastEnders actress Karen Henthorn as Dolly Bellfield, who described the role as a "dream come true."
Ms Henthorn said: "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."
Amy Drake will take on the role of deputy canteen manager Brenda "Bren" Furlong, originally played by Victoria Wood.
READ MORE: Classic BBC sitcom to be brought to Ipswich theatre
Gemma Dobson will play Twinkle, Jimmy Fairhurst has been cast as canteen manager Tony Martin, and Rachel Marwood will appear as Jane.
Other cast members include Faye Weerasinghe as Anita, Rachel Pickup as Philippa, and Josie Brightwell as Bren’s mother, Petula.
It was previously announced that Les Dennis will play maintenance man Stan, the role played on TV by Duncan Preston.
The production is directed by Sean Foley and adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne.
Tickets are on sale now, starting from £18.70.
Share