David Walliams’ best-selling children’s book, Gangsta Granny, has been adapted for the theatre by Birmingham Stage Company and this month heads out on tour. 
What’s On recently caught up with David to talk about the BSC adaptation, the challenge of writing for children - and what his own granny used to do that reminded him of a quacking duck...   

What inspired Gangsta Granny, David?
When I was a child I’d spend lots of time with my grandmas. Sometimes I’d selfishly think spending time with them could be boring - but when I got them on a subject like living in London during World War Two, when bombs were raining down, they’d become very animated and I’d be enthralled. I realised everyone has a story to tell.

What were your grannies like, and are there any elements of their characters in Gangsta Granny?
There was definitely a smell of cabbages in one of my grandmas' houses. The other broke wind like a duck quacking when she walked across the room.

Many people would say there’s a special bond between children and their grandparents. Why do you think that is?
I think grandparents love being grandparents because they get to give the children back to the parents! Children love spending time with their grandparents because they love hearing their stories and being allowed to stay up past their bedtime.

When did you decide to write children’s fiction?
Ten years ago I had an idea for a story. What if a boy went to school dressed as a girl? I thought it would be a thought-provoking children's book. That became The Boy In The Dress, my first of eight children's novels.

What are the delights of writing children’s fiction?
The only limitation in a children's book is your imagination. You can take children on magical journeys in books that many adults would be reluctant to go on.

And the challenges of writing for children?
Children love to be scared, but it can't be too horrifying. Children love to laugh, but it can't be too rude. You always have to be the right side of the line.

You’ve often talked about Roald Dahl. What do you think makes him special?
I think Dahl's books always feel a little bit forbidden. He manages to balance the humour and scary elements in his stories perfectly.

Which Dahl book do you particularly like and why?
The Twits is utterly hilarious. I love that it’s a children's book with no child characters.

Which other children’s writer did you enjoy as a child?
I loved Dr Seuss books, especially Green Eggs And Ham. His books are like nightmares come to life. They’re rich and strange and utterly unlike anybody else's work.

What do you think children enjoy in your books?
I imagine they like the humour, and that I don't patronise them. I deal with quite big topics - cross-dressing, homelessness, grief. I know children are a lot smarter than most grown-ups think.

What are your feelings on seeing Gangsta Granny adapted for the stage?
It's a huge thrill seeing it have this whole new life. It’s already been a TV film. People seem to really like the story. In fact, Gangsta Granny is my best-selling book by far.

Are there any particular challenges or difficulties with staging the story?
There’s lots of action in Gangsta Granny, especially when they try to steal the Crown Jewels. The challenge is bringing those scenes to life.

Are there any scenes you’re particularly looking forward to seeing on stage?
I like the characters of Ben's mum and dad. Their obsession with ballroom dancing should be funny, so I can't wait to see them brought to life.

Why were you keen to work with Birmingham Stage Company on the adaptation?
I saw their Horrible Histories show, which was superb. I loved the humour and the interaction with the audience, so I’m looking forward to seeing more of that.

What do you hope children will take away from watching Gangsta Granny on stage?
The moral of the story is, ‘Don't assume old people are boring just because they’re old’. In fact, they’re likely to have had a much more interesting life than yours. Talk to old folk, listen to their stories. They’re bound to be full of magic and wonder.

In what way do you think watching the stage show will be a different experience for children from reading the book? 
The great thing about seeing Gangsta Granny on stage is that you’ll get to share it with an audience. So hopefully you’ll laugh and cry along with everyone else. That's what makes theatre so special.

What are the elements that make up a good theatrical production for children?
They need to be fun and fast-paced. Children like audience interaction. They like to be involved.

Strictly Come Dancing raises its head in Gangsta Granny. Would you like to be in the show and, if so, how would you rate your chances of holding the glitter ball?
I can't dance at all - as you might’ve seen in the TV adaptation of Gangsta Granny, when I tried to dance with Miranda Hart. So I’d say my chances are less than zero!

Birmingham Stage Company’s adaptation of David Walliam’s Gangsta Granny shows at Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn from 12 to 16 October and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 22 to 26 March 2017