Review: Gangsta Granny at The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury.

by Lauren Abbott

It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny.

There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake and Ben is convinced it’s going to be boring. But what Ben doesn't know is that Granny has a secret and Friday nights are about to get interesting.

But is the stage adaptation of comedian David Walliams' book as exciting as Ben's sleepovers turn out to be? My Kent Family sent some reviewers - young and not so young - to find out.

Ashley Cousins as Ben in Gangsta Granny
Ashley Cousins as Ben in Gangsta Granny

by Lauren Abbott (33)

Who doesn't want a jewel-thief, cabbage eating, rap singing, mobility scooting grandma for a relative?

After two hours in the company of Gangsta Granny, I definitely do.

This adaptation is everything fans, young and old, of David Walliams' book would want.

David Walliams and the cast of Gangsta Granny, Picture courtesy of Ray Tang/REX Shutterstock
David Walliams and the cast of Gangsta Granny, Picture courtesy of Ray Tang/REX Shutterstock

Full of slapstick humour, toilet-jokes a plenty, mockery and a captivating plot about a boy and his grandma who attempt to steal the Crown Jewels, it's difficult to find something not to like.

It's laugh out loud comedy at its very best, which draws the audience in to the point that one small voice in our audience was heard to holler 'you really naughty baddie' on more than one occasion.

At over two hours long (including a 20 minute interval) it's not necessarily one for very small children but young fans of the book will be delighted with this charming adaptation that has them chuckling at Granny's escapades from start to finish.

And never mind the children - you as grown-ups will love it.

by Phoebe Partridge (8)

Gangster granny was a cool experience. It had a lot of detail in it and must have taken a lot of practice.

I think the best bit was when Gangster Granny went across the stage on her scooter and her grandson Ben was riding on the back.

Ashley Cousins, who is playing Ben in Gangsta Granny, with Gilly his granny
Ashley Cousins, who is playing Ben in Gangsta Granny, with Gilly his granny

At the beginning of the play even she said the message, asking people to please turn off mobile phones - that got everyone's attention!

The set was really clever with electronics that make the house turn around by itself, turn into other things like the Tower of London and Ben's bed, and completely close up until they need to open it again.

The funniest bit was when the Queen, who caught them trying to steal the jewels, ate some of Granny's cabbage soup and said it was her favourite thing.

That made everyone laugh because Gangster Granny ate cabbage soup too and gave it to Ben who really doesn't like it.

Ben used to think his granny was boring but then he called his granny a gangster when he discovered her secret life.

If you want to go to this awesome show, bring your children. The programme, which tells you who plays who, is great too!

Gangsta Granny is running at The Marlowe Theatre until Sunday, June 5. For ticket prices visit The Marlowe Theatre website.

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