Awful Auntie is the seventh book from David Walliams catalogue, specifically aimed at the children's market. I say 'aimed' because I think it's fair to assume that the adults in the theatre last night had as much fun as their little people did!

This book tells the story of Stella Saxby, the sole heir to Saxby Hall, who is plagued by her awful Aunt Alberta, who will stop at nothing to take her inheritance from her.

Once again, as with so many other Walliams classics, Birmingham Stage Company have done an outstanding job of adapting the show for the stage. Revolving (quite literally!) around a single piece of scenery, the Hall dominates the stage and rotates to create a number of different outlooks with intricate, jigsaw-like detail, as we're taken through the story.

The company is one of the world's leading producers of theatre for children and their families and it's clear to see why.

The cast were led beautifully by the immensely talented Neal Foster (Aunt Alberta) and Annie Cordoni (Stella), who's command of the stage and mannerisms evoked the sense of the book beautifully. Similarly, the supporting cast were slick and well choreographed.

Particular mention should go to Zain Abrahams as Gibbon, the Saxby's 'confused' butler! Whilst he may only have short stints on stage, his delivery, both verbally and physically, of his lines was incredible. His stage presence was phenomenal - an absolute joy to watch!

What should also be congratulated is the stunning use of puppetry. When the scene requires slightly more imagination on the part of the audience, shrinking the characters down to inches tall allowed scale and enormity to be shown without patronising the audience. The use of puppets is becoming increasingly commonplace in theatre as a whole so to introduce it at this early stage was magical.

To so many children, this book is more than just a cover and pages. Increasing numbers of people have said that not since Roald Dahl have we seen an author who meets young children's expectations as well as David Walliams...and I think that's completely true. The story itself has such a connection with the young of today and it was a pleasure to watch them sit in bemusement at the tale coming to life on the stage.

The work BSC have done is brilliant to watch but also fantastic for getting the next generations involved in theatre and enjoying performances. In their own way, every 10 year old in the auditorium gave it the standing ovation it deserved. A brilliant piece that everyone (with or without kids!) should book tickets for!

Awful Auntie runs at The Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 19th October. For more information or to buy your tickets, head online to atgtickets.com/birmingham.