Having never read a David Walliams book, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the Birmingham Stage Company’s adaptation of Gangsta Granny.

Very cleverly staged by the acclaimed producers of the hugely popular Horrible Histories, the play tells the tale of 11-year-old Ben and his cabbage-loving Granny, whom he has to visit under duress every Friday night while his parents fulfil their ballroom dancing dreams.

Ben thinks Granny is too boring to bother with, until he learns a secret, and embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own ‘gangsta’.

The first half sets the scene for the heist of the century as Granny and Ben prepare to steal the crown jewels, while act two was more panto-esque, with several opportunities for audience participation.

Ben was brilliantly played by Ashley Cousins, while Louise Bailey was utterly convincing as Granny, with great comic support from Rachel Stanley as mum and Benedict Martin as Dad and the nosy Mr Parker.

Some imaginative scenery and set changes meant there was never a dull moment and the show was certainly well received by the packed theatre, full of fans both old and young.

The whole story was held together by quite a poignant tale of the relationships between a young boy and his grandmother and parents, which is guaranteed to touch the hearts of both children and adults alike.

It’s not hard to see why Walliams is the UK’s best-selling author for children.

Simply brilliant.

:: A free post-show talk follows the 10.30am performance on Friday.