Theatre Review: Dinnerladies, The Churchill, Bromley

Victoria Wood's TV comedy series set in a works canteen was a big hit and now they have transferred to the stage, the dinnerladies are serving up second helpings of pleasure.

The play has been adapted from the TV scripts to include the daily goings-on behind the kitchen counter where staff at HWD Components queue for their breakfast but never seem to get served.

Main topic of conversation is whether canteen manager Tony will ever get his act together with Bren, whose life is dominated by her crazy mother Petula.

What is so clever about this show is that only two of the telly cast are in the company but the resemblance of the new actors to the original performers is brilliant. The way they have captured the essence - appearance and voices - of the much-loved ladies (and Stan the jobsworth maintenance operative) is fascinating to observe.

Shobna Gulati recreates dotty Anita, always one step behind everyone else in the thought process, while Andrew Dunn is Tony, gently fancying Bren over the tea urn.

Laura Sheppard is a Victoria Wood clone as Bren and has got her accent and mannerisms off to a fine art.

And I actually thought Jacqueline Clarke was better (i.e. a little bit more realistic) as barking mad Petula than Julie Walters.

There's a scene-stealing performance from Peter Brad-Leigh (who is also the crew deputy stage manager!) as Bob, trying in vain to order his bacon sandwich.

This was a delightful, feelgood show which got the audience oohing and aahing at the poignant or romantic moments just like you'd do if watching the box from the comfort of your own sofa.

Diana Eccleston

4 stars