Reviewed by Linda Curtain
Was taking my five year old grandson to see Gangsta Granny a wise decision I am wondering? Does he now think I am also a secret gangster living an exciting secret life not his everyday Granny!
We were delighted to have the chance to review this stage production of the David Walliams award winning book Gangsta Granny at Plymouth Theatre Royal last evening.
Having easily parked in one of the nearby car parks, we made our way to the theatre which is situated in the centre of Plymouth on Royal parade. The bill boards outside were eye catching and Toby immediately became excited about seeing the show. In the foyer – where there is a lovely cafe for a pre-show coffee – crowds of children were eagerly waiting to enter the auditorium to see this well-known book brought to the stage. Once we had collected our tickets – and free Gangsta Granny sticker which Toby loved – we settled into our seats and had a quick look at the programme before the show started.
For anyone who hasn’t read the book, the story is basically about eleven-year-old Ben who has to stay with his granny every Friday evening while his parents go ballroom dancing. Although he loves his cabbage and scrabble obsessed granny, Ben finds the evening boring until a discovery which changes everything – his granny is a secret gangster know as ‘the black cat’!
The Birmingham Stage Company have really excelled in bringing such an iconic book to the stage. With lots of fun, laughter and action, the underlying story is maintained – Grannies can have fun and secrets! Toby enjoyed every moment from the opening where Ben finds ingenious ways to dispose of granny’s cabbage soup to the wonderful Queen’s dance which had all the children on their feet dancing along.
Ashley Cousins played a remarkably believable eleven year old Ben, but Gill Tompkins as Granny really stole the show with her comical role – the ‘windy’ result of her cabbage enriched diet was very amusing to the youngsters!
The clever staging and changing of the sets was remarkable. My grandson was fascinated by how they were able to change the scenery so quickly and as part of the dance action. Ingenious work by the set designers.
With so many highlights through the evening it is difficult to choose a favourite part. Granny making a getaway on her mobility scooter was very comical and the scene where Ben and Granny were swimming through the water to the sewers to access the Tower of London to steal the Crown Jewels was brilliant. Toby liked the scene which focused on the animals encountered in one of Grannies missions and he thought the Naked Yoga scene very funny – that may need explaining to his teacher in school tomorrow!!
A brilliant, fast moving, lively show which retains the magic and moral message of the original award-winning book.
Another great 5* production at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £12.50 to £24 (booking fees may apply).
Gangsta Granny is at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth from 19-23 July 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.theatreroyal.com or call the box office on 01752 267222.
Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR | 01752 267222
