Q&A with Neal Foster director of Gangsta Granny

**Tell us a little bit about yourself at 18. Were you studying, working? What were your hobbies and interests?** At eighteen I started a Drama degree at Warwick University and left after seven weeks to apply to drama school. While I was waiting to get in, I set up a theatre company which became the Birmingham Stage Company and which is celebrating its 25 anniversary this year, so it was quite an important year. **So, we’re turning 18 this year and we’re planning a full month of competitions, giveaways and topping it all off with a huge party. How did you celebrate your 18th birthday?** I didn’t celebrate birthdays when I was younger but as I’ve got older I realise it’s quite fun to continue living so I now celebrate every year! **Tell us something wild or crazy you did as a young adult...** I used to dress up as a policeman and pretend to arrest people I knew – or sometimes people I didn’t know. I was caught by the police five times and eventually someone stole my police hat. **What did you most look forward to/dread about turning 18?** I most looked forward to leaving school. **Is there anything you miss about being 18? Would you go back to age 18 if you could?** I am very happy to be old – running a theatre company is such a risky adventure that I wouldn’t want to try it all again as I can’t imagine I would ever be as lucky a second time. **If you could deliver a 30 second message to your 18 year old self, what would it be?** Don’t dress up as policemen... [Gangsta Granny](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/2515/gangsta-granny-tickets.aspx) is booking from 26 July 2017 to 03 September 2017 - get your tickets [here](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/play/2515/gangsta-granny-tickets.aspx).