Review: David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny for a festive family treat
A few years ago, we had the chance to review the stage adaptation of David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy, which I still remember as an evening filled with laughter. This Christmas, Birmingham Stage Company has returned to London entertaining families with the production of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny at Bloomsbury Theatre until 9 January 2022–another comical festive treat about a not-so-boring granny and her grandson, who’s initially uninterested in spending time with her.
Before going to review the show, we listened to the audio book on car journeys, and by the time the show started, we were ready to be introduced to the witty characters on stage. Gangsta Granny, adapted and directed by Neal Foster, tells the story of Ben, who is dreading his uneventful Friday nights with cabbage soup at his granny’s house. After moaning about his boring start to the weekend, granny reveals she’s been living a secret life unknown to her family, and the unlikely duo embark on the adventure of a lifetime, which brings them closer together.
With outfits including a black hoodie and dark sunglasses, Ben’s granny had us giggling throughout the performance, and his dance-loving parents swaying across the stage added the glam factor. Another highlight was the range of bizarre costumes Ben’s mum made him for a dance competition, including a woodland-themed suit with a pull that would make the costume bloom, and an eye-catching egg and bacon dance suit.
Starting a Christmas day in the city with Gangsta Granny, made for a humorous morning out–a welcome return to a London Christmas including family trips to the theatre.
David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny is recommended for ages 5 and over, and the show is playing at Bloomsbury Theatre until 9 January 2022. The running time is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including interval, and the Covid policy is available on the theatre website.
Photos by Mark Douet.
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