THEATRE NEWS

ARE there no limits to David Walliams’s talents?

Not content with achieving massive success in the children’s book market with favourites such as Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, Walliams has decided he won’t leave theatre alone either.

Demon Dentist is his latest children’s novel to make the transfer from page to stage. Much to the delight of those who love schlocky, Roald Dahl-esqe horror.

Demon Dentist tells the story of Alfie and Gabz (best friends; not boyfriend and girlfriend) who discover some strange things going on their town. Why is it that when children leave their teeth for the Tooth Fairy they wake up to find – not the usual pound coin (or a fiver if you live in a more expensive postcode) but some very odd things indeed?

Meanwhile, we discover that Alfie lives with and cares for his poorly disabled father, following the death of his mother. Alfie already has a fear of dentists after an unpleasant experience six years ago and has not been back since. The family are visited by bubbly social worker Winnie who tries to get Alfie to see the local dentist – or have rotten teeth for the rest of his days.

But when we drill down into the detail, we discover the demon dentist to be the evil Ms Root.

Does this stop Alfie from fixing up his teeth? Will the children in the audience bite hard into the storyline, or themselves come to worry about a trip to the dentist?

Reviews suggest Walliams has been clever enough to rein in the shock material, and as his books suggest, he does fantastical rather well. He’s also especially fond of slapstick and the writer is certainly not afraid to throw in toilet humour, which he knows kids love, but just as much as he thinks parents will stand for.

The Kings’ Theatre, Glasgow, March 9-11.