Isaac used to be a reluctant reader but over the past year he has found a real passion for books.
It started with Horrible Histories and then Roald Dahl when they studied his work at school towards the end of last year. At Christmas Isaac discovered David Walliams after reading Midnight Gang and we are fast collecting more of his titles for him to read.
I think it is important to spend time individually with the kids and last week Isaac and I headed to Lighthouse Poole to see Birmingham Stage Company’s production of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny Live.
If you have not read the book, the story tells the tale of 11-year-old Ben and his cabbage-loving Granny, whom he has to visit under duress every Friday night while his parents indulge in their passion for ballroom dancing.
Like many 11 year olds, Ben, played brilliantly by Ashley Cousins, thought his flatulent cabbage eating Granny (Louise Bailey) was boring but upon discovering a tin of jewels he discovered there was more to Granny than meets the eye and they embark on an adventure to steal the crown jewels.
The set was small but effective with cast members opening and closing rooms as they danced around. There were laughs a plenty, mainly at the expense of flatulent Granny (well what child does not like a bit of toilet humour) and we all chuckled as she zoomed around the stage on her mobility scooter.
The laughs didn’t just come from Granny but also from Mum, Dad, the hilarious Flavio Flavioli and of course the fabulously nosy Mr Parker.
Both Isaac and I thoroughly enjoyed the performance which kept the kids involved throughout with some audience participation and it was fun seeing the whole auditorium getting up at the end to dance with the Queen.
Gangsta Granny Live is on tour all over the UK, for more details and tour dates head over to ATG Tickets.
Looks like you had a great time. I remember when my daughter read the book she was so engrossed in it. She loves all the David Walliams books
Grace went to see this with school and she said it was amazing, I think I would have enjoyed it too if I had got the chance x
What a fab idea for a production I’ve not heard of this but will be looking out for this now!
I had no idea they had made Gangsta Granny into a live show – such a good book!
Gangsta granny on stage how fab. Sounds like a lovely day out with your boy. I hope jamie gets into reading. We are a long way off that though.
We love David Walliams books, I bet the show was just as fun! Glad you had a fab time 🙂
We are going to watch this next week. I am so looking forward to it!!!
David Walliams books are so appealing to kids..such tender and funny stories
I have seen the show so I can imagine that the live edition is just as fun. Who doesn’t love toilet humor x
Glad you had a great time! David Walliams books are so good for getting kids to read 🙂 x
Sounds like a great show. I try to spend individual time with my kids too.
Matthew has just got into David Walliams’ books so this would be a fab trip to get him more engaged and inspired
It sounds great, we love David Walliam’s book!
I’ll have to let my cousin now about this. He loves that book. Sadly it’s a bit old for us at the mo
Oh that would be so much fun to see, lovely you got some time together.
I have heard so many great things about this show and I am dying to take my little one. Hopefully it comes toLondon soon. x