Benedict Martin will star in Gangsta Granny when David Walliams' fabulous story comes to MK Theatre from Tuesday, Feb 9.
He told Total MK what makes this show so terrific...and why the cabbage is actually a rather great vegetable!
Whats the best thing about playing in Gangsta Granny?
I love playing comedy and playing two such different roles as Ben’s ballroom dance obsessed Dad, and nosy Mr Parker is huge fun.
I’ve especially enjoyed all the dancing – it's just a good job that ‘Dad’ is not supposed to be very good at it!
It is from the pen of David Walliams of course, so quality assured. Has David had much to do with this production, has he seen the show?
David made suggestions to the script but certainly wasn’t precious about it. He has been brilliant about promoting the play.
He came to the first night at Birmingham and got up on stage at the end with us and said ‘I don’t know who wrote the book but the play is better!’
And what do you think is his special quality when it comes to writing for children?
I have a nine year old who laps up his books. You can see the influence of Roald Dahl in his writing – he captures the same fun, magic & naughtiness.
Benedict busts those dance moves on stage in Gangsta Granny!
There is lots of talk about cabbage...Why is it so important for little folks to eat their greens?
A much maligned vegetable, the cabbage can, in the right hands, be turned into a meal fit for a king, or a Granny.
But clear the room afterwards - you could be in for a smelly time!
What have the performances been like so far, and how do the kids react?
We’ve had great audiences everywhere we’ve been, and as many laughs from the grown-ups as from the kids.
I love getting boos from them as Mr Parker, Granny’s ‘baddy’ next door neighbour.
And it's magical to see everyone in the audience up & dancing at the end of the show.
And what would you say to those parents thinking of bringing their children to see the show in Milton Keynes?
Why are you only thinking about it? It’s a great show that’s both very funny and poignant, written by Britain’s leading children’s author.
If you think any longer you won’t be able to get a ticket its selling out so fast!
To book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
