David Walliams’ Awful Auntie features a host of much-loved characters who are brought to larger-than-life in this laughter-ridden stage version which is currently playing Wolverhampton Grand.

Created by Birmingham Stage Company, who have also adapted Walliams’ Gangsta Granny, Demon Dentist and Billionaire Boy, the production is a zany couple of hours of family fun.

Young Stella Saxby awakes one morning to discover her parents have been killed in a mysterious car accident and she has been in a coma for months. Her Aunt Alberta is now responsible for her but this Auntie turns out to be more than awful – she is totally monstrous.

Played by BSC actor/manager Neal Foster, Alberta switches from cajoling to cruel as she attempts to discover where her late brother has hidden the deeds to Saxby Hall. She is convinced Stella holds the key to the mystery – and will imprison and even torture her to discover the truth.

If this all sounds a bit sinister then it is – but the production portrays it in a way which will have audiences laughing rather than fearing for Stella’s wellbeing. Foster is every inch the evil aunt. Dressed in a crazed pink hunting outfit, complete with green deerstalker hat and orange hair sticking out from the side of his head, he is full of energy and eccentricity as he chases his niece around the stage and threatens her with all kinds of punishments.

Annie Cordoni’s Stella may be the child but she is the smarter of the two and is determined to outwit her aunt. She discovers support in an unexpected quarter when Soot the ghost chimney sweep appears and offers to help. Played by Matthew Allen, Soot is an orphan who was killed at Saxby Hall and now haunts its corridors but can only be seen by children.

Adapted by Foster who is co-director with Richard J Hinds, the production also features a host of wonderful puppets designed and directed by Yvonne Stone. Emily Essery plays Wagner, the puppet owl who is Aunt Alberta’s pet – and helps her keep a beady eye on Stella. Stone has also created smaller puppet versions of the characters so that the external action can take place alongside the same set.

Jacqueline Trousdale’s set is Saxby Hall which revolves to take the characters and audience into different rooms while also providing a backdrop for events on the roof and in the gardens.

There is plenty of imagination and humour in this production which will appeal to children of all ages - and their respective adults.

Four stars

Reviewed by Diane Parkes at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on Thursday 28 March. Awful Auntie continues to show at the venue until Sunday 31 March. The production will show at The Alexandra, Birmingham from Thursday 17 to Saturday 19 October 2024.