GANGSTA GRANNY Coming to The Marlowe Theatre

DAVID Walliams' most popular book has been made into a stage show and comes to The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, next month (June).

Gangsta Granny, from Birmingham Stage Company (the acclaimed producers of Horrible Histories), is the story of Ben and his not-so-boring Friday nights with Granny. As her secret is revealed, Ben embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.

David, who is one of the judges on Britain's Got Talent TV show, creator of the ground-breaking comedy series Little Britain, and star of the BBC TV Agatha Christie series Partners in Crime, has now also become the best-selling author for children in the country. He began his publishing career at Harper Collins in early 2008 with his debut novel, The Boy in the Dress.

After writing two other popular stories, in 2011 he published Gangsta Granny, which was shortlisted for both The Red House Children's Book Award and for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. At Christmas 2013, a TV version of Gangsta Granny was shown on BBC One with an all-star cast, including David. Gangsta Granny went straight to number one in the children's book charts; his books have been translated into no fewer than 30 languages.

David said: "I am over the moon that Gangsta Granny is on stage. It's the most popular of all my books and I am sure this production by the brilliant Birmingham Stage Company will delight not just children, but their parents and of course, grandparents."

Gangsta Granny, which is part of Canterbury Children's Festival, is at The Marlowe Theatre from Wednesday 1 to Sunday 5 June (half-term holiday). There are various performance times; for details, and to book tickets, priced from £15.50 to £22 (concessions available; booking fee applies), call the Box Office on 01227 787787 or go to marlowetheatre.com.