Gangsta Granny | |
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Genre | |
Based on |
Gangsta Granny by David Walliams |
Written by | |
Directed by | Matt Lipsey |
Starring |
Reece Buttery Julia McKenzie Joanna Lumley David Walliams Miranda Hart Rob Brydon |
Theme music composer |
David Arnold Michael Price |
Country of origin | United Kingdom |
Original language(s) | English |
Production | |
Producer(s) | Jo Sargent |
Cinematography | Tim Palmer |
Editor(s) | Joe Randall-Cutler |
Running time | 70 minutes |
Production company(s) |
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Release | |
Original network | |
Original release |
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External links | |
Website |
Gangsta Granny is a British comedy-drama television film based on David Walliams' children's comedy fiction book of the same name. The adaptation is by Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley. The first broadcast was on BBC One on 26 December 2013.
Set in Basildon, the film centres around Ben, an 11-year-old boy who goes off to his grandmother's house every Friday whilst his parents go out dancing. He dislikes going there as he finds his grandmother boring. This changes when the grandmother reveals her criminal career as an international jewel thief.
Granny arranges to steal the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom from Queen Elizabeth II. All goes well until Granny hurts herself, which is revealed to be terminal.
On 26 April 2013, the BBC announced that it had commissioned the adaptation for BBC One. It was commissioned by Danny Cohen, controller of BBC One, and Shane Allen, controller of comedy commissioning. Shane Allen said, "The story delivers on David’s penchant for being outrageously funny, yet poignant and tender as well. This will be a wonderful family viewing treat for this Christmas and we’re thrilled about seeing it make the journey from page to screen."
Gangsta Granny began filming on 28 October 2013.David Walliams said, "I am thrilled that we have such a stellar cast of comedy legends for Gangsta Granny. I can only apologise that I am in it too!" Mark Freeland, the controller of BBC comedy production for the BBC, said, "David asked us not to muck up his massively popular book on TV. So we cast him and then added some of the most-loved and wonderful comedy actors in the country. I hope it will be a very special Special."