LoveLincoln.co.uk caught up with Andrew Dunn in the run up to the dinnerladies performance at the Lincoln Theatre Royal. Andrew brings his loveable character Tony to the stage, 10 years on from when the original BBC sitcom was aired, on 1 – 3 July.

What’s it like being involved in the national tour of dinnerladies?

It’s been really good, it goes down really well in theatres and you can’t beat the reaction we’ve had from the live audiences.

Did you ever think that the original programme would become as popular as it did?

I hoped it would be popular; it was Victoria and her cohorts like Julie Walters and they were just fantastic.  The first series actually got mixed reviews and it wasn’t until the second series that it really took off.

People warmed to dinnerladies and the characters and I think people actually watch it more now than when it first came out now that it’s repeated on G.O.L.D.  I think the age range has changed as well; there are a lot of kids watching it now that weren’t even born when it was first popular!  

What do you enjoy most as an actor/actress?

The variation. I’ve always wanted to be an actor. I could never imagine myself in one job all my life, I enjoy being in a workplace that varies.

It’s nice meeting new people too but there is a downside to it I suppose which is the worry about what the next job will be when you’re out of work.

There’s nothing better than when you couldn’t be happier than when you are at work and you don’t want it to end. It’s ideal really.

What’s it like reprising your role as Tony? What do you enjoy about the character?

I’m known for Tony really. I still get people stopping me in the street and asking me about him. It feels nice and familiar and I love the buzz when I’m performing in a theatre.

What’s it like working with different actors/actresses compared to the original cast from the BBC show?

The cast have been very good, there have been three changes in cast and everybody who’s come in has done really well and got on with everyone else. Sue and I are just flabbergasted by how much they’re like the original BBC cast.

Especially Laura Shepherd, the lady that plays Bren, she’s fantastic. Her mannerisms and everything are so similar to Victoria Wood – who originally played Bren – it’s bizarre.

You’ve had experience with both screen and stage acting, what’s your favourite and why?

Well I don’t compare the two to be honest, they’re completely different experiences.

 I enjoy both, I love the technical side of film,  the stopping and starting and getting the chance to redo it until you get it right, but you can’t beat a live audience, you get instant feedback from them and there’s a big buzz around theatres that creates a great atmosphere.

Have you ever been to Lincoln before?

I have! I was performing in a play called September in the Rain in 1989 – or 1988 – I can’t remember now it was a long time ago! Lincoln is lovely, I especially love the cathedral and Steep Hill area and I’m looking forward to performing in the Theatre Royal. That’s the good thing about touring; you get to spend time in some beautiful parts of the country that you don’t usually get the chance to enjoy.

LoveLincoln.co.uk caught up with Artistic Director Ian Dickens to chat to him about the Lincoln Theatre Royal and what he loves about Lincoln.

Ian, in March you took over the Lincoln Theatre Royal which is quite a big undertaking. What made you decide to take this project on board?

I’ve been a producer for 20 years and saw it as a great opportunity. My company Ian Dickens Productions Ltd has brought 44 productions to the Theatre Royal over the years so it’s a place very dear to my heart. It’s great to have everything encompassed in one area and have a base for ID Productions.

What does your work entail?

Everything from the complete running of the building and all of the different departments to programming. We also put on 15 house plays a year so there’s the work involved in that too.  

What’s the best part of your job?

Having a clear desk and going home to see my children and my wife! No, seriously though, I’m very fortunate, I love theatre, and this is what I do. The Theatre Royal is an incredible place.

What have you found to be he most challenging part of your role?

The most challenging part of my role is building the audiences back up. The Theatre Royal is a great theatre but it was just unfortunate that it slipped a bit. In particular getting audiences back in for drama – drama is a hard sell.

Another thing is attracting a younger audience. They have so many options these days with games consoles and so on but the theatre will only survive with their support because they’re the audience of the future.

It’s everyone’s responsibility though: without support from the local community it’s inevitable the theatre will close. If everyone introduced just one new person to the theatre per year it would make a big difference.

Are there any events coming up at the Theatre Royal that you’re personally looking forward to seeing?

We’ve recently had a great event actually, Ken Dodd’s Happiness Show. He was remarkable. We had a true great of the theatre here, he’s into his 80s now and he walked in this theatre and entertained the audience for over five hours!

We’ve had several highlights already though: the opening gala of course and we’ve had many sellouts which the Theatre Royal hasn’t seen for long time, even on week-long shows. It’s nice to see new faces walk through the doors too.

 Following the fresh new look for front of house, what can we expect from the Theatre Royal in the future?

First we’ve got to complete phase one which is the café, and that should happen over the next few weeks. Then there’s finishing the paint job and a little bit of carpeting left to do.

Over the coming years we hope to complete phases two and three which involve repainting the interior of the auditorium – quite a specialised task.

What do you love about the city of Lincoln?

I’ve been living in London for many years now and Lincoln is so different, it’s a slower pace of life which is lovely. It’s a better place for my children to grow up and the quality of life is definitely better.

I get to spend more time in Lincoln now too, looking after the theatre and my company.  Lincoln’s a great town of so many different cultures and different areas; I’m delighted to be a part of the community.

Aside from the Theatre Royal, what is your favourite place to visit in Lincoln? 

I’d have to say The Old Bakery, it’s a good restaurant.

Football mad Jordan Morley, a first-year sports marketing student at the University of Lincoln, lets us know what he will be getting up during for the World Cup

Do you have any special plans for the World Cup?

My friend who I play football with owns a pub so most of the time we will be going to watch it there. For the England games all my family gets together to have a massive party which is fun.

Do you think England can win it?

Yes I do. If the best players stay fit then England have a chance.

What do you do when you watch a match?

I go to a pub mainly but if not then I stay at home to watch it. I would invite my friends round though – I don’t think I would like to watch it by myself. I suppose the important thing is creating atmosphere either at the pub or at your house and spending time with people.

Who is your favourite player?

My favourite English player is Wayne Rooney. He is better than everyone else, in my opinion. Skilful on the ball, powerful and direct. My favourite player in the world, Marcos Senna who plays for Spain, isn’t playing in the World Cup. He has been out most of the season with injuries.

If England get knocked out which country will get your support and why? Or would you stop watching it all together?

I wouldn’t stop watching it. I would probably pick Brazil because they play good football. There are lots of good flair players so they are good to watch.

Imagine if England reached the final – what would your plans for the day be?  

I would wake up earlier than I usually would. If I was going to the pub I would go early to soak up the atmosphere with my friends and family. I would dress up with a stupid hat and face-paint too. I’d be really excited so I would just go crazy!