Alton Towers to launch new ride – David Walliams' Gangsta Granny coming to resort in 2020

Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, Gangsta Granny tells the story of Ben who discovers that his granny is secretly an international jewel thief.

The thrilling new 4D ride experience will see guests join the main characters as they attempt the greatest heist in the history of the world: to steal the crown jewels.

On-board a royal carriage, guests will set off on a crown jewels tour only to be caught up in Ben and Granny’s audacious adventure.

The ride will whizz, twist and spin passengers 360 degrees through a series of scenes where they will see, feel, hear and even smell an electrifying and unique re-telling of the Gangsta Granny story.

Using state-of-the-art special effects, 3D projection-mapping and animation inspired by the artwork of Tony Ross, guests will descend with Ben and Granny into the sewers, be chased through the streets of London and even come face to face with the Queen – but will the madcap scheme succeed?

The fun doesn’t stop there – a whole area of the theme park will be transformed, inspired by ‘The World of David Walliams’.

READ MORE: David Walliams net worth: Britain’s Got Talent judge is in Missing Link and writes books

Fans of David Walliams’ books can also enjoy the ultimate sleepover with an overnight stay in one of four Gangsta Granny themed bedrooms in the Alton Towers Hotel.

Announcing the news, David Walliams said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Gangsta Granny is becoming a ride at Alton Towers.

“I never imagined it would happen so it’s a real delight to see my characters brought to life in a ride.”

David added that he worked closely with the team at Alton Towers to make sure the ride is just as funny and exciting as the book.

“I think children and their parents … and even their grandparents! … are going to love it,” he added.

John Burton, Creative Lead for Alton Towers Resort, said: “David’s stories are full of witty characters, intrigue and exhilaration so it’s been a fantastic challenge to build all that into a new ride experience.

“It’s the first time we’ve attempted such a complex combination of a physical ride experience, high-tech special effects and brilliant storytelling to ensure guests feel they are with Granny and Ben on every step of their adventure.”

Gangsta Granny has become a much-loved character among British children since the children’s novel was published in 2011.

The successful book was later adapted into a 66-minute film for BBC One, which was shown on December 26, 2013.

‘The World of David Walliams’ and Gangsta Granny: The Ride will arrive at Alton Towers as the resort celebrates 40 years as one of the UK’s favourite theme parks.

Throughout 2020, Alton Towers will be inviting guests to celebrate four decades of the ‘Power of the Towers’ to thrill, delight and create millions of happy memories for visitors.

The amusement park, based in Staffordshire, initially began as a tourist attraction in 1924, after a group of local estate agents formed Alton Towers Ltd and took ownership of the estate and restored the gardens.

In the 1950s, more was added to the land, including the operation of a fairground and by the 1970s, it included a boating lake and chairlift.

In 1973, property developer John Broome bought a controlling stake in Alton Towers where he later laid the foundation for a modern theme park which would include a succession of rides and roller coasters by the 1980s.

source: express.co.uk