DAVID Walliams' Gangsta Granny is coming to Walton Hall and Gardens as part of a season of open air theatre.

The treasured children's story will come to the park on August 28 and 29 and is the fifth adaptation of the author and celebrity's work from Heartbreak Productions following Mr Stink, Ratburger, Billionaire Boy and The Midnight Gang.

The travelling theatre group – which has four teams on the road this year – is also performing Romeo and Juliet, Private Lives and Wuthering Heights around the country but it is when they play Walliams' larger-than-life characters that they have the most fun.

Emily Bennett, marketing and communications manager, said: "For Heartbreak, performing David Walliams' work has always been and continues to be a highlight of the year.

"Walliams' stories are such a exciting platform for interpretation and just seem to fit the remit of what Heartbreak aims to do with its outdoor performances so wonderfully.

"His stories bring families together and for us this is why we do what we do. Gangsta Granny has been a particularly interesting piece for us to work with.

"What Walliams does so well is create a perfect balance between comedy and meaning. The moral of Gangsta Granny is so important and so close to many of us – we should all make a little more time to be with those we love – and we hope that on some level our shows offer an opportunity to do just that."

Warrington Guardian:

To some, Walliams will be best known for the likes of Little Britain and Britain's Got Talent but he is also sometimes referred to as 'the new Roald Dahl'.

"They're fun and educational and appeal to all ages," Emily added.

"While Walliams is a master of maintaining the children's interest through clever plots and the occasional bit of toilet humour, his stories have real meaning that I think resonates with all ages.

"We often hear from our audiences that reading his books is something that parent and child do together and I think that this is something his work does so beautifully – reconnects all ages through his stories."

Four teams of five will this year bring 262 shows to more than 160 venues across the UK and Ireland.

The actors do all the work from performing to building the stage, managing all the sound, lighting and other technical requirements and driving to all the locations.

Emily said: "Our actors work so extremely hard and it can often get tiring.

"Our actors are selected not only on their performing abilities but also on their personalities. While on the road each team becomes like a family, they support each other and we make sure they have days off to relax and unwind.

"Family members, friends and members of the other teams often go along to performances to show support. We really are like a family here from the actors all the way up to our director.

"I think the main motivation is a shared passion for the theatre and on low days there is always something to remind us why we do what we do - this could be a five star theatre review or simply a child smiling for a photo with the 'real Gangsta Granny'. If we can continue to make people happy, we'd call that a success."

Visit warrington.gov.uk/info/201357/walton_hall_and_gardens_events