Grandpa’s Great Escape

Author: David Walliams

PLC

ISBN: 9781472944627

Reviewed by Brian Case

Number of pages: 288 deteriorate, to just before his death as he dedicated the remaining years of his life to prayer and reflection.

Although not officially an autobiography, the book does indeed cover his whole life from childhood growing up with his loving family, living through Nazism to how he became a professor of theology and eventually becoming Archbishop of Munich. The book then covers how he became Pope, his achievements and then some of the obstacles he had to overcome during his tenure in the chair of Saint Peter. He was known by many priests and cardinals as “Gods Rottweiler” and this is also covered in the book as are many lighter moments of humour he shares with us.

The book is not over religious which itself makes it accessible for many whether Christian or not. As well as covering the life of the former pope, It also offers a unique insight into one of the most powerful offices in the world.

Review by Jason Harris

Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books

My nine year old son was excited to begin his next novel by David Walliams, having read many of the best-selling author’s previous titles such as ‘Gangsta Granny’ and ‘The midnight gang’.

Walliams has a great knack of encouraging inquisitive young minds to see the world immediately around them through different eyes and this title is no different.

In Grandpa’s Great Escape, we are introduced to Jack, a twelve year old boy who has a very special relationship with his elderly Grandfather, who throughout the book is referred to as ‘Wing Commander Bunting’. This lovable old war hero seems to be stuck in the past and it quickly becomes apparent that he’s living with what adults would refer to as the effects of dementia. But to Jack, his Grandpa has a wild imagination and time with him is one big adventure. Rather than portraying dementia with a negative vibe, Walliams succeeds in taking the young reader on a wildly exciting journey through life, but uniquely seeing it through the eyes of a dementia sufferer.

Whereas almost everybody else in the story has written Grandpa off, Jack forms an impenetrable bond with him and embraces his Grandads forgetfulness and sense of fun as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.

ISBN: 9780008183424 Number of pages: 464

Jack, egged on by Grandpa, assumes the character of ‘Squadron Leader Jack Bunting’ who becomes Grandpa’s, or should I say Wing Commander Bunting’s second in command. Together they seek to uncover a wicked plot within a local old folks home which leads to a daring escape plan. There’s a colourful array of characters along the way including a very proper and slightly snobby old lady who secretly holds a torch for Grandpa and also a Rear Admiral who shares Grandpa’s desire to ‘beat the Jerrys’ although in this case, the Jerrys are the rather unsavoury characters running the old folks home.

Like many, I’ve watched loved ones struggle with dementia but this story is a heartwarming one that leaves the negativity of dementia behind. Without realising it, my son was learning about mental illness in a very deep and meaningful way. He understood, and didn’t really question, that some people find it harder to live in the present than the past and that rather than challenging those people to live in the here and now, it’s sometimes better (and more fun) to let them live in the past.

The ending was somewhat unexpected and definitely a tear-jerker so have those tissues ready for the last two chapters and the epilogue.

Wednesday 15th March 7.30pm

Rick Buckler – In Conversation with Eddie Piller Rick Buckler was the drummer for The Jam throughout the band’s entire existence. He performed every concert and played on every record the band ever made. We are thrilled to welcome Rick Buckler to a special evening where we will discuss his time with one of the UK’s finest band’s with Eddie Piller (Acid Jazz Records/The Modcast).

Tickets £15

Thursday 16th March 2.00 pm

Steve Laister – WOW! That’s A Show

Join Steve Laister (Winner of Sir Norman Wisdom’s Award for Comedy Excellence) and special guests for a fun, feel good afternoon you’ll never forget. A 2 Hour comedy laugh-along & sing-along extravaganza.

Suitable for ages 16+

Friday 17th March 7.30pm

Hal Cruttenden: It’s Best You Hear It From Me Age Guidance 14+

Tickets £19

Saturday 18th March 7.30pm

China Crisis

Tickets £25

Tuesday 21st March 7.30pm

Feast Of Fiddles

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Friday 24th March 7.30pm

Francis Rossi: Tunes & Chat

Status Quo legend Francis Rossi is taking up his acoustic guitar to bring you a selection of wellknown hits and some previously not-performedlive-before tunes. It’ll be a unique evening in which Francis will reprise fan favourites from a remarkable 50+year career. Expect original-style, acoustic versions of Quo classics, threaded together with chat in this music based evening.

Tickets £30 Standard) / £45 VIP/ £80 Super VIP

Saturday 25th March 7.30pm

Very Santana recreate the guitar master and his band’s live experience, with all the authenticity and uniqueness that made Carlos Santana a living legend musician and composer.

Tickets £18.50

Thursday 30th March 7.30pm

Ballet Theatre UK: Romeo & Juliet

Tickets £20 & £18 (£15/£14 concessions)

Saturday 1st April 7.30pm

The History Of Rock

Tickets £26.50 & £24.50

Wednesday 5th April 7.30pm

The Zombies

Plus Support: Rogers & Butler

Tickets £27.50

Thursday 6th April 7.30pm

The Hollies Story

Tickets £20

Saturday 8th April 7.30pm

All Or Nothing

All Or Nothing Experience Live Concert Show from the West End Cast tells a story of the iconic Mod band the Small Faces through their electrifying music.

Tickets £23

Thursday 13th & Friday 14th April 7.30pm

The Searchers: Thank You Tour

Tickets £29.50

Saturday 15th April 7.30pm

Hot Rocks Productions present

Mother Goose: Adult Panto

Suitable for ages 16+

Tickets £20

Sunday 16th April 2.30pm

Hot Rocks Productions present

Mother Goose

Tickets £14.00 adult/£12.00 under 16

Wednesday 19th April 7.30pm

Richard Digance

Tickets £18.50

Thursday 20th April 7.30pm

Sun Records: The Concert – 70th Anniversary Show. Revisit the blessed recording studio and the legendary record label that brought you Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Rufus Thomas and scores more rockin’ pioneers, as they once again come to life live on stage.

Tickets £27.50

Friday 21st April 7.30pm The Christians Tickets £27.50

Saturday 22nd April 7.30pm

Bootleg Blondie

The world’s No.1 official Debbie Harry & Blondie tribute band

Tickets £22.50

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