COMEDIAN David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny is dusting off her shotgun ready for the world premiere of the stage version of the hit children's book in Birmingham.

Birmingham Stage Company, the acclaimed producers of Horrible Histories, are performing Gangsta Granny at the New Alexandra Theatre before it heads to the West End.

The story centres around Ben who is dreading spending Friday night with his granny but instead of a boring night in he finds out her secret - and has an adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny.

Little Britain star David Walliams said: "I am over the moon that 'Gangsta Granny' is coming to the stage.

"It's the most popular of all my books and I am sure this production by the brilliant Birmingham Stage Company will delight not just children but their parents and of course grandparents."

Following the most successful show in its history with Horrible Christmas and after twenty-three years at the Old Rep, the Birmingham Stage Company has moved to the New Alex.

Manager of the BSC Neal Foster said: “It has become obvious that we need a bigger stage for our shows but we have been reluctant to leave the Old Rep in case it jeopardised the venue’s situation.

"Now the theatre is in the wonderfully safe hands of BOA, we can leave the building knowing it has a bright future ahead of it."

He added: "I launched my company at The Old Rep in 1992 when I was twenty-six years old and I hope it continues to inspire more young people in the same way it did me. The Old Rep gave me everything I wanted from life and it will always be my favourite building in the world.”

He added: "I have been going to see shows at the Alex since I was five years old. To know I will be performing on its great stage is a huge thrill.

"Derek Salberg, who ran the building’s former repertory company for many years, was a great supporter of the BSC in our formative years and I think he would have been delighted with this news.”

The company’s world premiere production of Gangsta Granny by David Walliams will be the first BSC show to appear at The Alexandra Theatre during the week of December 7, after which it will go on a national and international tour.

To book tickets phone 0844 871 301or book online at www.atgtickets.com/birmingham.