Actress Rachel Stanley had a starring role on stage in Kent just six months ago, but it’s unlikely you’ll recognise her from it when she steps back on in David Walliams’ show, Gangsta Granny, next week.

Rachel, who grew up in Gravesend and now lives in Medway, played the Wicked Queen in panto at the Orchard Theatre at Christmas.

But she goes from baddie to goodie as she takes on the role of Ben’s mum in the show, adapted from David Walliams’ children’s book. She said: “She is mad on Strictly and wishes she could be a dancer herself.

“There is nothing standard about this woman. She has some extraordinary costumes and she does like a leotard.

“From the age of 18, I was very lucky as I got a part in 42nd Street. So you could say I can dance. They wanted someone who could really dance for this role.” Despite the show being adapted from a children’s book, however, Rachel says it is also a show for the adults.

She said:“It is quite an unusual show. People are a bit surprised when they come and see it. They think it is going to be a children’s show. It is a very touching story but with laughter, of course.”

THE SHOW

Gangsta Granny comes from the mind of David Walliams, actor, comedian and Britain’s Got Talent judge.

The stage show by the Birmingham Stage Company is adapted from his children’s book, published in 2011 and which has also been made for TV.

It features young Ben who spends Friday nights with his granny who’s so boring! Or is she..?

What he doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret and Friday nights are about to get exciting as Ben embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny.

Rachel Stanley plays Ben’s Mum, has starred in musicals including 42nd Street and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and has played Roxie Hart in Chicago. Her film credits include Les Miserables.

Fellow Gravesendian Ashley Cousins plays Ben. He joined the cast after taking his A Levels at Meopham School. He played Tall Boy in Billy Elliot the Musical at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre, while he was still at school.

The show will be at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells from Wednesday, June 21 and Sunday, June 25. To book tickets from £16.50, go to assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call 01892 530613.