Men Behaving Badly Returns — On Stage This Time!

Grab your pint, sink into that familiar saggy sofa, and brace yourself: Men Behaving Badly is coming back — but not as a TV revival. Instead, the beloved 1990s sitcom is being reborn as a live stage play, written by the show’s original creator, Simon Nye.

From Sitcom Sofa to Theatre Stage

The play will debut at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester and run from January 30 to March 7, 2026. It’s directed by Joseph O’Malley, who’s made a name for himself bringing classic British comedy to the stage. The production promises a hearty hit of nostalgia, but with enough new energy to satisfy modern audiences.

A Plot Packed with Throwbacks

Rather than updating the setting to the present day, the stage version cleverly drops audiences back into New Year’s Eve, 1999, just as the characters prepare for a wedding against the backdrop of Y2K angst. Expect the familiar blend of chaos, questionable decision-making, and heartfelt friendship that defined the original show.

According to the creative team, this adaptation celebrates the spirit of the 1990s and the comforting simplicity of sitting on a sofa talking absolute rubbish — an art form Gary and Tony perfected long before it was fashionable.

Revisiting the Original Gang (Sort Of)

While no casting has been announced for the stage version, the original TV series starred Martin Clunes as Gary Strang, Neil Morrissey as Tony Smart, Caroline Quentin as Dorothy, and Leslie Ash as Deborah. Their performances were central to the show’s success, and their characters remain some of British sitcom’s most recognisable personalities.

Behind the scenes, the new production features set and costume design by Alfie Heywood, sound design by Amanda Priestley, and casting by Marc Frankum.

A Comedy That Meant Something Then — And Still Does

When Men Behaving Badly aired from 1992 to 1998, it captured the essence of the “lad culture” era. The dynamic between Gary and Tony made it both hilarious and, at times, strikingly honest. Today, the original cast have openly reflected on how some elements wouldn’t fly in modern culture. Neil Morrissey has described Tony as “misogynistic,” and Martin Clunes has said the show wouldn’t be made the same way today, given how much the social landscape has shifted.

That’s exactly why a stage version set in its original era is such a clever move. It lets audiences revisit the characters without forcing them into a modern mould, offering a space to laugh at — and learn from — the past.

Why You Might Actually Want to See It

One of the biggest draws is that the play is written by Simon Nye himself, meaning it isn’t a cheap reboot but a genuine creative extension of the original world. The charming late-90s setting adds an instant nostalgic spark, especially with the Y2K panic bubbling in the background. The chemistry and slightly chaotic energy that worked so well on television will likely translate hilariously to a live setting, where the unpredictability of theatre can only add to the fun. And for long-time fans, it offers a chance to reconnect with the characters in a way that feels both affectionate and freshly re-imagined.

If you loved the original series — or if you simply enjoy the kind of comedy where friendship, foolishness, and fondness collide — this stage adaptation might be the perfect night out.