We chat with author and comedian, David Walliams ahead of The David Walliams Book Show in Christchurch this October.
As excitement builds for The David Walliams Book Show landing in Christchurch on October 2nd, we sat down with the beloved author to dive into the whimsical world he creates for children. Known for his delightfully quirky characters—from gangsta grannies to billionaire boys—Walliams blends humour with heartfelt messages that resonate with young readers. Get ready for a chat filled with mischief, insights, and a touch of Walliams magic, as he shares what families can expect from this unforgettable show, as well as a glimpse into his creative mind.
Read more: Free Library Activities for Preschoolers in Christchurch
nook NZ sits down with David Walliams, ahead of The David Walliams Book Show on Wednesday, 2 October:
David, you’re bringing your David Walliams Book Show to Christchurch on October 2nd. What can both kids and their parents expect from the show? Will there be any surprises, or perhaps a bit of the signature Walliams mischief?
I love to entertain people, especially kids as they are so noisy! Kids love mischief, being naughty is fun, so of course there will be plenty of playfulness.
Your books feature such vibrant and quirky characters—gangsta grannies, demon dentists, and even billionaire boys. What inspired you to create such wonderfully unconventional heroes?
The comedic actor in me has always loved creating characters. So I look upon my book characters as ones that would be fantastic to play. Therefore the less conventional the better. I want my characters, be like cartoon characters, instantly recognisable and larger than life.
Humour plays a big role in your writing, but your books also sneak in important life lessons. How do you strike that perfect balance between making kids laugh and giving them something deeper to think about?
I want my books to be the kind that children choose to read for pleasure. Not ones that they are told to read. Therefore when I have something serious to say, I sugarcoat the pill. I don’t want them to feel didactic, I want the message to be hidden amongst all the fun.
Touching on what could be seen as controversial topics (like The Boy in the Dress) do schools advocate for your books to be on their reading lists? Do you feel that they address the current day issues that kids these days face in an appropriate way?
If you are going to spend months writing a book, I feel there should be some point to it. It makes the process of writing meaningful, and more importantly, it gives the reader something to take away from the story. Controversial or difficult topics are the best ones to tackle. They are the most interesting.
“Don’t worry about the things you are not good at. Concentrate on the things you are good at.”
David Walliams
You’ve entertained both children and adults with your work, from Little Britain to your children’s books. How does writing for kids differ from writing for adults, and do you ever catch your “grown-up” humor slipping into your children’s stories?
Of course, I pull back from any adult humour but it is tempting to include in my books. And editors are good at spotting it! But at the same time, children don’t like being patronised. They are drawn to grown-up humour. It’s finding a balance.
Your characters are full of creativity and imagination, just like the children who read your books. What advice would you give to young, aspiring authors who are dreaming of writing their own stories?
When you write a book the only limits are your imagination. So let it run wild!
You’ve written about the bond between kids and adults, like in Grandpa’s Great Escape. Is there a special figure from your own childhood who inspired this theme in your books, or is it all pure Walliams imagination at play?
I was very close to some of my grandparents. I still think of them often and fondly. When I write stories like GANGSTA GRANNY or GRANDPA’S GREAT ESCAPE it’s a way of saying ‘thank you’ to them.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you enjoy making your readers squirm with stories like The World’s Worst Children? And, if we’re being honest, did any of those characters come from real-life inspirations?
If a story makes you squirm then it is working. Any kind of reaction like that means the reader is completely immersed in the book. I was inspired by some real people. My sister who used to love getting me into trouble as a child, was the basis for BLUBBERING BERTHA in THE WORLD’S WORST CHILDREN. I waited forty years and then got my REVENGE!
When you’re not writing or performing, what do you enjoy doing for fun?
I love spending time with my son. He is the centre of my world. Nothing else matters when I am with him. I have three dogs too, and am happy watching old movies on the sofa with them.
Your books have been translated into over 50 languages and read by millions of children worldwide. How does it feel to know that your stories have become such an integral part of childhood for so many?
It is hard to get your head around. However, it hits home when a parent comes up to me in the street and tells me that they couldn’t get their child to read until they discovered my books. Then I get a sense of how important they are to some families. It’s humbling.
You’ve been compared to Roald Dahl as the ‘Roald Dahl of the 21st century,’ in this woke time, how do you see yourself in relation to Dahl?
For me Dahl is the gold standard of children’s books, and no-one has ever bettered him for humour and imagination. Of course there are incredible talents out there, J.K. Rowling, Philip Pullman, Katherine Rundell all come to mind, but Dahl is still number one for the breadth of his work. His books are all so different, DANNY CHAMPION OF THE WORLD is a million miles from THE TWITS, and he only ever wrote one sequel so was moving onto a new story each time.
I am not 1% as talented as him, but as he is my hero it is a pleasure to be perceived as being in the same universe as him.
Your book covers are always so lively and engaging. How involved are you in the design process? Have there ever been moments where you thought, ‘This villain needs a few more warts,’ or ‘That mustache isn’t quite right’?
I am lucky enough to work with three hugely talented illustrators. Dahl’s favourite illustrator Sir Quentin Blake worked on my first two. If you are lucky enough to work with someone like that, you just let get on with it. To stand over their shoulder making comments would drive them nuts.
The designers are super talented too. They normally present me with a few options for book covers, so we discuss them and chose one together. I like my covers to feel like film posters. The best ones hit you hard. Like JAWS! You instantly know what that story is about!
Your books often have a touch of the absurd—giant bogeys, dancing grandpas, and so on. What’s the strangest or most bizarre inspiration you’ve encountered that made its way into one of your books?
Reality outstrips fiction every time. Look at Donald Trump. He is utterly absurd. Who has ever written a character of a president as memorable as him? Some of my characters have been inspired by people who auditioned for BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT. A man walked onto the stage called COCKROACH KEN, who then began eating live cockroaches! Instantly I came up with the baddie in RATBURGER.
Do you have a favourite fan letter or story from a child reader? Perhaps one who suggested their own twist on your characters or endings?
The fan letters form kids I love the most are the ones that inadvertently insult me. One girl wrote that she was writing to me because I was ‘her second favourite author’. She ‘really wanted to write to J.K. Rowling but my teacher said not to as she obviously receives too many’.
You’ve written so many beloved books, but do you have a personal favourite? Or is choosing one a bit like picking a favourite child?
THE BOY IN THE DRESS was my first book, and the most personal. So it will always be my favourite.
When you sit down to write, what does your creative space look like? Is it a scene of quiet focus, or is there a bit of chaos to keep the ideas flowing?
All I need to be is alone. Or at least not being interrupted. I need to visualise my scenes before I write them down. It’s like daydreaming, and if someone interrupts you the spell is broken. I understand why Dahl loved his writing shed. You need to be on your own or at least have your headphones on so nobody talks to you!
You’ve brought so many unique characters to life. If you were casting a film adaptation of one of your books, who would you love to see play the lead roles?
I have been lucky enough to work with some incredibly talented actors in my TV adaptations like Catherine Tate, Jennifer Saunders, Joana Lumley, Hugh Bonneville and Sheridan Smith. So I feel blessed.
As for Hollywood stars I love comedy actors like Will Ferrell, Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy. It would be a thrill to see one of them bring one of my characters to life.
You’ve tackled big themes in your books—friendship, bullying, family—yet always manage to keep the stories light and fun. How do you approach these important topics in a way that resonates with young readers?
As a children’s author you need to see the world through the eyes of a child. Children can understand complex ideas as long as they are put across in a simple way. That’s the art of it.
Your stories often centre on unlikely heroes—characters who are quirky, flawed, but ultimately lovable. Why do you think it’s so important for kids to see themselves in these kinds of characters?
You always root for the underdog in stories. And they are important for stories as they have a journey. We all feel vulnerable in some way, so for the reader to connect with a character they should be vulnerable too. Even superheroes have weaknesses.
You’ve achieved so much in both comedy and writing. Is there a dream project or character you haven’t tackled yet—perhaps one that’s still on your writing bucket list?
I would love to write an animated movie for PIXAR or AARDMAN. It would be amazing to work with those incredibly talented filmmakers and be part of something huge like TOY STORY.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice when you were first starting your career, what would it be?
Don’t worry about the things you are not good at. Concentrate on the things you are good at.
Your love for the ridiculous shines in your stories. What’s one of the most absurd things that’s ever happened to you, and do you think it will ever make it into one of your books?
I was in Egypt, climbing up a narrow passageway in the dark, and someone shouted ‘EH! EH! EH!’ which is one of the LITTLE BRITAIN catchphrases. I have no clue as to how I would be able to put that into one of my books!
Sum up your writing journey in one word…
Mind-blowing. Sorry, that’s two words.
Christchurch kids are eagerly awaiting your live show—what’s one thing you’re most excited to experience while in New Zealand? A bit of sightseeing, or perhaps a sneaky Kiwi pie?
It’s my third time in New Zealand, and I want to see as much of this stunning country as I can. It might just be the most beautiful place on Earth. Also, I love cakes, so please bring any traditional Kiwi ones along to the show!
Thank you for your time David, we’ll see you at The David Walliams Book Show!
If you’re yet to secure tickets to The David Walliams Book Show on Wednesday, 2 October, this event is not just another outing; it offers a unique opportunity to step into the imaginative world of one of today’s most inventive voices in children’s literature. A lively mix of humour, storytelling, and interactive fun, experience the whacky, whimsical world of David Walliams for yourself. Book tickets here!
