My Goddaughter and her mother went to see the play “Gangsta Granny” at Richmond Theatre and this is their review. I now wish I had gone too – especially as David Walliams turned up in person at the end of the show!:-
On Tuesday evening we had the chance to see The Birmingham Stage Company’s adaptation of David Walliams’ “Gangsta Granny” at Richmond Theatre which is showing this week 22-26 March. With my 8 year old daughter, who is a huge David Walliams fan, by my side we settled into our seats excited to see how the performance might compare to the book and the film, both of which she loved. It did not disappoint.
Gangsta Granny is the story of Ben, a young boy whose parents have a passion for “Strictly Come Dancing” and who leave him with his Granny every Friday night whilst they indulge themselves at ballroom dance classes. Ben finds going to his Granny’s flat boring, especially as he has to eat many revolting variations of her cabbage recipes and then endure her consequent flatulence. (My daughter particularly loved this bit!)
However, on one visit he is intrigued to find a selection of books on serious crime on her bookshelf alongside a biscuit tin filled with what appear to be priceless jewels and gems. All Ben wants in the world is to be a plumber and his friend, the local newsagent (Raj) encourages him to remember that old people aren’t always boring and may well “have a secret or two.” Soon Ben and Granny set off on an adventure together on the back of her mobility scooter and their relationship is never quite the same again.
I was most impressed by the incredibly clever set design by Jacqueline Trousdale, which comprised of large moveable boxes that were turned to create different spaces and rooms by various energetically dancing cast members. The “Strictly” theme followed throughout the show and helped to create a fantastically lively and energetic atmosphere.
The performance was led by a cast starring a talented Ashley Cousins as Ben and a wonderful Gill Tomkins as Granny, who both shared a touching and heart- warming relationship which I actually found rather moving at times. It is testament to this clever adaptation that the theatre was full of primary school children who were absolutely loving the show but also parents and grandparents alike who seemed to be enraptured as well.
David Walliams’ distinctive style resonated throughout and you could almost believe that many of the characters were actually him especially Mr Parker, Granny’s odious neighbour! My daughter almost fell off her chair with delight at the end when her hero, the real David Walliams stepped on stage to congratulate the cast which was a truly fitting end to a wonderful evening.
