IN BRIEF
AWFULLY EXCITING FAMILY ADVENTURE COMES TO WIRRAL
LOCAL LAD FEATURED IN CHANNEL 4 PARALYMPICS HOMECOMING SHOW
David Walliams ’ Awful Auntie is coming to the Floral Pavilion , in a brand new laugh-a-minute production that has been delighting children around the UK .
The bestselling children ’ s author said : “ I can ’ t wait for the fun to begin again – it ’ s going to be a hoot !”
The story follows Stella as she sets off to visit London with her parents , with no idea that her life is in danger . When Stella wakes up three months later , only her Aunt Alberta can tell her what has happened ... but not everything Alberta tells her turns out to be true . This brilliantly bonkers show is a this thrilling mix of comedy , horror and detective story and features a small ghost , a big owl and a VERY awful Auntie .
A young sportsman from Wirral has featured in a National Lottery film as part of the Paralympics Homecoming show , which aired on Channel 4 on Saturday ( 14 September ).
Kobi Sadler , from Moreton , was interviewed as part of the film as he is a budding sports star who was born with an upper limb difference of the right arm .
Speaking of the filming , Kobi ’ s mum Kelly , said : " Kobi is extremely sporty , he always has been . He plays division 1 grassroots football for a local team ; he plays cricket for his school has even started to take part in cross country races . He just loves being involved in any sporting activity . This also includes attending The England Amputee Junior Football camps every few months in Crewe . As a young footballer with Glenavon Football Club , Kobi trains at Wirral Council ’ s Bidston Sports and Activity Centre each week where he was filmed for the show , talking about his love of sports and wanting to be a Paralympian himself when he ’ s older . A sporting career is something Kobi definitely wants to pursue , but he has also done a bit of acting - he ’ s filmed in South Africa which was amazing - so it ’ s fair to say he ’ s keeping his options open ."
The television show , which celebrated ParalympicsGB following Paris 2024 , spoke to a number of children and young people with differences and disabilities who are also keen young athletes . The show sought to inspire , so Kobi was a fantastic fit .
David Walliams has teamed up with Birmingham Stage Company , to bring the popular children ’ s book to life . It is their latest collaboration following the Oliver Award-nominated Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy .
One young girl who watched the show said : “ At one point some ice cream was coming out of my nose because I was in fits of laughter .”
Another awarded it “ Twenty out of ten !”
David Walliams began writing books in 2008 and has sold over 53 million copies worldwide . Awful Auntie is suitable for children 5 + and can be seen at the Floral Pavilion from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 October .
During his interview , Kobi , aged 10 , used a powerful phrase his mum tells us their family have always lived by , saying : Why blend in , when you can stand out ? Kelly said : From an early age we ’ ve encouraged him to celebrate his difference . He wasn ’ t born to hide away but to excel and achieve – which he is already doing . Kobi ’ s got a great circle of friends . When he plays football , everyone recognises him because he ’ s unique . But he ’ s also so hard working and dedicated . He ’ s got a really good ethos . I ’ ve always encouraged him to say , ‘ This is me , I might be a bit different , but I can certainly do anything anyone else can .’ I think that ’ s what the Paralympics is all about too really .
" I just feel really proud , as does his dad , his sister , our whole family . But more than that , I find him truly inspirational . I hope he goes on to inspire not only other children but other parents as well . When we found out about his limb difference there was hardly anything out there to guide us as parents . It ’ s being celebrated now as it should be . I hope that by seeing a young lad like Kobi excelling as he does , it will encourage others to celebrate young people who are different , just like we do . Difference doesn ’ t define people . Mindsets do ."
6 wirrallife . com