Review: GANGSTA GRANNY: LIVE ON STAGE, Harold Pinter Theatre

When reflecting on your fondest childhood memories, you'd probably decide upon visiting your grandparents as one of your highlights. Whilst there you could watch your favourite TV show, eat lots of junk food, and stay up way too late. Even now I still think back to all of the happy memories that were made during my time spent with my Grandma.

However this story paints a different picture. Ben loathes going to Granny's; to him, she's boring. Whilst there he is forced to eat cabbage soup, play scrabble and go bed at eight (his usual bedtime is one hour later). Friday night is usually the highlight of every kid's week, but not for Ben. He dreads this day.

All opinions change when Granny is revealed to be the most wanted jewel thief in the entire world. Since her teens she's been dashing about town doing debaucherous deeds, ransacking riches and stealing shining stones. All of her conquests lie hidden in a biscuit tin, which Ben discovers to his absolute surprise.

He begins to see her in a totally different light; no longer is she a dull old woman who lets out a lot of gas. She's a Gangsta, a daring dealer that has a thrill for adventure. And despite her hanging up her balaclava, Ben wants one more endeavour with her. He wants to steal the Crown Jewels. It'll be Granny's most dangerous heist yet.

David Walliams' well-loved narrative is nothing short of beautiful. It teaches the importance of maintaining family relations, by making the audience reflect on the time they spend with loved ones, and all the moments taken for granted.

Told exceptionally by an extraordinarily talented ensemble, this is a tale for both children and adults. Expect lots of laughs, over the top costumes and outrageous gags. This is a show that'll highly entertain, whilst make you feel so much at the same time. It's a genuine treat that is a definite recommended thing to see.

Gangsta Granny at the Harold Pinter Theatre until 26 August

Photo courtesy of Gangsta Granny

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