Gangsta Granny

Gangsta Granny is a 2011 British children's comedy fiction book, written by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross and published by HarperCollins. A sequel, titled Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!, was published in 2021.

Plot

Ben, an 11-year-old boy, hates having to stay with his grandmother every Friday night while his parents attend a dancing show called Strictly Stars Dancing, a parody of the real-life Strictly Come Dancing. He finds the visits boring and repetitive, as his Granny constantly serves him cabbage-based dishes such as cabbage soup and cabbage chocolate, insists on playing Scrabble, and her television has not worked since the 1900s. Ben is passionate about plumbing and subscribes to Plumbing Weekly, which he purchases weekly from Raj's newsagent. His parents disapprove of his interest in plumbing and dream of him becoming a professional ballroom dancer.

One night, while searching for something to eat, Ben discovers a cookie tin filled with precious jewels hidden in Granny's cupboard, revealing her secret past as a jewel thief known as "The Black Cat." Granny explains that she turned to theft out of desperation due to poverty after her husband's death. Inspired, Ben convinces her to attempt one final heist: stealing the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London, with the intention of returning them afterward.

However, Granny falls ill and is hospitalized with terminal cancer. Before she deteriorates further, they proceed with the plan. Disguised and using clever tactics, they infiltrate the Tower of London but are ultimately caught by the Queen herself, who, moved by their story, pardons them and allows them to leave empty-handed. Granny's health worsens, and she passes away shortly after. At her funeral, Ben reflects on the adventure that brought them closer, cherishing the unexpected bond they formed.

Adaptations

Television film adaptation

A 70-minute television film adaptation of Gangsta Granny premiered on BBC One on 26 December 2013.[2] The television film was directed by Matt Lipsey, produced by Jo Sargent, Bert Productions and BBC Comedy Production, executive-produced by Mark Freeland and written by Kevin Cecil, Andy Riley and the book's author David Walliams.

Gangsta Granny starred:

Reece Buttery as Ben

Julia Mackenzie as Granny, Mike's mother and Ben's grandmother

Joanna Lumley as Queen Elizabeth II

David Walliams as Mike, Ben's father

Miranda Hart as Linda, Ben's mother

Rob Brydon as Mr Parker, a neighbour of Ben

India Amarteifio as Florence

Robbie Williams as Flavio Flavioli, a dancer on Strictly Come Dancing

Jocelyn Jee Esien as Kelly, Florence's mother

Harish Patel as Raj, the newsagent

George Hill as Terrence, Mr Parker's son and assistant

Claudia Winkleman as herself

Leo Wringer as Doctor Long

Tim Frances as Doctor Edwards

Russell-Leighton Dixon as Judge

Steve Speirs as PC McClintock

Patrick Brennan as Beefeater

Timothy Bentinck as Chief Inspector

Max Olesker as Policeman

Theatre adaptation

The book has also been adapted into a 130-minute theatre performance by the Birmingham Stage Company. It toured the United Kingdom until July 2017. It then became a play at the Garrick Theatre in the West End from 26 July to 3 September 2017. The production has since continued with additional tours, including a UK and Ireland tour in 2018, performances in 2021 and 2022, and a scheduled UK tour in June and July 2025.

Ride adaptation

On 21 March 2020, Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire, England launched The World of David Walliams, with the main theme of the area being focused on the Gangsta Granny book. The new area features a 4D dark ride titled Gangsta Granny: The Ride, where guests embark on a crown jewels tour which is then sabotaged by Ben and Granny who persuade the guests to join them on a heist of a lifetime to steal the crown jewels.