Rochdale actress recreates hit sitcom role in theatre

Sue Devaney

Victoria Wood’s hit BBC sitcom Dinner Ladies comes to the Palace Theatre in June, with stars of the TV show Andrew Dunn and Rochdale actress Sue Devaney recreating their roles on stage.

The television show, which initially ran for two series from 1998 to 2000 was voted 9th in one list of all-time favourite sitcoms, a remarkable feat for a programme where only 16 episodes were ever made.

The play is based on the second TV series and follows the reluctant love story of Bren and Tony, originally played on TV by Victoria Wood and Andrew Dunn. Andrew reprises this role in the stage version.

They are egged on by their work colleagues Dolly, Jean, Twinkle and Anita. Making frequent appearances are caretaker Stan, Philippa from Human Resources, secretary Jane – played on this tour by Sue Devaney who portrayed the character in the TV series – and Bren’s truly dreadful mother Petula.

Andrew Dunn and Sue Devaney are also well-known for their roles in Coronation Street. Sue played Debbie Webster for several years and Andrew recently finished playing the role of Roger Stiles. Sue is also well known as Liz Harker from Casualty and she played the Genie of the Ring in last Christmas’ smash-hit pantomime Aladdin at the Opera House, Manchester.

The touring production of dinnerladies bears a very close resemblance to the well-loved TV series, with a strong, experienced cast recreating some of the best drawn sitcom characters on TV delivering some of the funniest lines.

Dinner Ladies is touring Britain on the third leg of its world premier national tour and for pure feel-good factor and the chance to really cheer yourself up, quite apart from the opportunity to experience some of Victoria Wood’s funniest writing, it’s a show not to be missed. The show, by The Comedy Theatre Company, is produced by Jan Hunt and David Graham and adapted from the TV scripts by David Graham.