Britain's Got Talent judge, comedian and author David Walliams helped launch his next venture - bringing his book Gangsta Granny to the stage - this week.

David joined some of the cast of the show, which is based on his popular children's book, at the Tower of London to see the tour, which is coming to Kent, kick off on a tour of venues around the country.

The world premiere is being staged by the Birmingham Stage Company, the acclaimed producers of Horrible Histories.

Luckily two Beefeaters were on hand to prevent secret jewel thief Granny (Gilly Tompkins) making off with the Crown Jewels.

David, who is also creator of the comedy series Little Britain and star of the recent BBC TV Agatha Christie series Partners in Crime, is also a bestselling children's author.

He began his publishing career at Harper Collins in 2008 with his debut novel The Boy in the Dress, before publishing Gangsta Granny in 2011.

It was shortlisted for The Red House Children’s Book Award and for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, and has been No. 1 in the children's book charts.

He said: "I'm over the moon that Gangsta Granny is coming to the stage. It's the most popular of all my books and I am sure this production by the brilliant Birmingham Stage Company will delight not just children but their parents - and of course grandparents."

The show will be at the Orchard in Dartford from Thursday, November 26 to Sunday, November 29. To book visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220000.