Victoria Wood's BBC1 sitcom Dinnerladies to hit Chelmsford theatre

FOR the very first time in a major national tour, Victoria Wood s hit BBC television sitcom dinnerladies comes to the Civic Theatre stage in Chelmsford from Monday 5 to Wednesday 7 October. The TV show, which initially ran for two series from 1998 to 2000

FOR the very first time in a major national tour, Victoria Wood's hit BBC television sitcom dinnerladies comes to the Civic Theatre stage in Chelmsford from Monday 5 to Wednesday 7 October.

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

The stage play, produced by Jan Hunt and David Graham, is based on the second TV series and follows the reluctant love story of Bren and Tony, originally played by Victoria Wood and Andrew Dunn, who re-creates his TV role in the stage version. They are egged on by their work colleagues, Dolly, Jean, Twinkle and Anita.

Making frequent appearances are caretaker Stan, Phillippa from Human Resources, secretary Jane (played by original cast member Sue Devaney) and Bren's truly dreadful mother, Petula, played originally by Julie Walters.

It was decided early on that the touring cast and production should bear a very close resemblance to the well-loved TV series and this is exactly what has happened, with a strong, experienced cast re-creating some of the best drawn sitcom characters on television delivering some of the funniest lines.

If you're after that pure feel-good factor and the opportunity to experience some of Victoria Wood's funniest writing, dinnerladies is a show not to be missed.

Tickets cost �18 and �16 (full-price) and �16 and �14 (concessions and groups).

You can book tickets by calling the box office on 01245 606505 or by visiting www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres