Gangsta Granny – Bradford Alhambra Theatre

Gangsta Granny is based on the hugely popular book by David Walliams, whose writing has already led to him been compared to Roald Dahl.

The story revolves around the relationship between Ben (Ashley Cousins) and his granny (Gilly Tompkins), who every Friday night spend time together playing scrabble and eating cabbage-related foods. For Ben this is the most boring thing in the world.

But granny is hiding a little secret and when this is discovered it means that Friday nights are going to get a lot more exciting.

I took a while to warm to Ben who is ever present throughout the show, but when I let myself begin to realise it's a young man playing an 11-year-old boy I enjoyed his performance.

Gilly, as Granny, was an instant hit with myself and the large audience that was made up of lots of children, parents and grandparents.

Another actor's performance I really enjoyed was Benedict Martin as the nosy neighbour Mr Parker.

Imaginative staging made good use of the multipurpose sets which blended the scenes really well and helped capture a story book feel.

The humour in this play is childish but that's what comes across in David Walliams books, so let yourself enter the world through a child's eyes and embrace the silliness.

This show will appeal to a wide range of ages, particularly youngsters, and you don't need to have read the book first.

Runs until July 9. Call 01274 432000 for tickets.

Dean Harness