Gangster Granny Outdoor Theatre Review at Ordsall Hall, Salford

On a rain-threatening day in the school summer holidays, the children and I headed off to Ordsall Hall in Salford to catch one of the first outdoor theatre productions of the year-Gangster Granny and we took our own Naughty Nana with us.

It was sunny when we left the farm so we were hopeful but dark clouds gathered as we neared Salford and the venue had taken the decision to hold the production inside in the beautiful Great Hall which was built by Sir Alexander Radclyffe in the 16th century.

The decision was the right one as half way through the first half of the production, the heavens opened and it was not just a shower, water was actually pouring from the sky.

Pink sequin curtains were hung from some of the ancient ironwork and the actors were stood at the front whipping the audience into excitement.

The story itself is based on David Walliams’ bestselling tale full of forbidden fun. The tale of Ben, an 11 year old want-to-be plumber fed up with spending his Friday nights at Granny’s house.

All she wants to do is play Scrabble and eat cabbage – not exactly his idea of fun.

Hungry and bored Ben goes searching for something more edible in the kitchen and stumbles upon an old biscuit tin. The tin holds more than just digestives, however; it contains Granny’s biggest secret…
Ben’s Granny is an international jewel thief, and she needs his help to pull off her biggest heist yet, stealing the crown jewels!

Staged by Heartbreak Productions, Gangster Granny is a totally interactive experience. Children and adults alike are encouraged to get up out of their seats and dance.

Despite the weather, the show was very enjoyable and we love Ordsall Hall which is run by Salford Community Leisure. I just wish the weather had been like it had the week previously.

The show is recommended for children aged seven plus so having a two year old with us wasn’t the best idea but I never imagined the weather to be as wet as it was and he loved running around the grounds before and after the show.

Gangster Granny is on for two hours including an interval.

Gangster Granny has another showing on Tuesday 27 August 2019, 1.00 – 3.00pm. It costs £16 for adults and £10 per child with under 5’s free.

Also on this summer at Ordsall Hall: The Tempest is on Saturday 3 August 2019, 6.30 – 9.00pm. Adults are £16 Adult (£12 Early Bird Adult), child tickets are £10 and for this performance, under 10’s are free.

Much Ado About Nothing is on Sunday 11 August 2019, 6.30 – 9.00pm with prices the same as the Tempest. The is a great comedy play for a summer evening.

The classic Emily Bronte novel, Wuthering Heights is brought to the Ordsall Hall outdoor stage on Thursday 15 August 2019, 6.30 – 9.00pm. £16 Adult, £10 Child, under 5’s free.

As well as the theatre tickets, you can also pre-order picnic and refreshment packages from £5.95.

There really is something for everyone this summer at Ordsall Hall and for the who can’t get to the theatre, the hall itself is open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm and Sundays 1pm to 4pm.

To book tickets and see what else is on over the summer, visit: ordsallhall.com

*We were gifted tickets for Gangster Granny but all opinions are my own.