Older people in Camden to get help from David Walliams' Gangsta Granny!

David Walliams best-selling children’s book Gangsta Granny is coming to the West End this July for a six-week summer season. And on 28 July there will be a special gala performance with an auction and exclusive after show party with the cast* to raise money for Age UK Camden’s NW3 Good Neighbours Scheme.

The show is adapted and directed by Camden resident Neal Foster, who took inspiration from his experience volunteering with the Good Neighbours Scheme, which matches trained volunteers with isolated housebound older people. Neal visited Rose every week for six years until she died aged 103 and it changed both their lives. He continues to volunteer and is now visiting Joy who is 87. Neal has now decided to donate the entire proceeds of the gala performance of Gangsta Granny to support his local Good Neighbours Scheme. With a full audience the show could raise £25,000.

He said: "I never knew my grandparents, so I've always been drawn to old people. When my mother died in her 70s of depression, I thought I can't help her anymore, but I can help someone else her age and that's just as good. It's wonderful to realise how important you can become to someone and how much effect you can have on their lives with just one visit a week. It's been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done."

Gangsta Granny tells the story of a young boy who develops a fantastic relationship with his Granny, who he thinks is a boring old lady until they hatch a plan together to steal the Crown Jewels. David Walliams said: "The terrific Birmingham Stage Company have produced a fantastic show. It's truly brilliant! And so much better than the book!"

Age UK Camden is an independent charity that provides high quality, innovative services and support to help older people to stay active, stay connected and get the most out of life.

Further information:
Contact Emma Doyle, Communications Manager, Age UK Camden, 020 7239 0400/emma.doyle@ageukcamden.org.uk

*Tickets for the after show party are only £20 and available with pricing bands A and Premium