Dinnerladies
WORDS: Tom Bevan (Sprout Editorial Group)
Just over ten years after Victoria Wood's first sitcom began delighting TV audiences, Dinnerladies has made its debut on the stage.
The show, which initially ran for two series from 1998 to 2000, was voted in the top ten favourite sitcoms list of all-time - which is some feat since it only ran for 16 episodes.
Set entirely in the canteen of HWD Components, a fictional factory in Manchester, the show features the caterers and regular customers as the main characters.
The inner lives and social interactions of the mostly female, middle-aged characters are humorous and lovingly put together.
The New Theatre was packed and within minutes was spilling over with laughter as the much-loved story of Bren and Tony's relationship was condensed from the second TV series into two blissful hours on stage.
Original cast members Andrew Dunn and Shobna Gulati recreated their roles as Tony and Anita, adding a sense of authenticity to the excellently cast show.
When Victoria Wood came up with the idea for the tour she wanted the cast to be as close as possible, both in looks and voice, to the TV show's stars. Did she succeed? Fantastically so!
Laura Shepherd almost sounds more like Victoria Wood than Victoria Wood herself and she manages to capture every one of her mannerisms perfectly.
Her on stage mother Petula, originally played by Julie Walters, was hilariously recreated by Jacqueline Clarke. It is evident that the Gavin And Stacey actress and co-writer Ruth Jones was a fan of Dinnerladies, as many parts of the show are similar, like Petula's chronic name-dropping which is also characteristic of Nessa.
The show was a delight from start to finish; both crowd-pleasing and rib-tickling. Affectionate and yet oh so funny, Dinnerladies is one you shouldn't miss.
Until Saturday at the New Theatre.
