Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved 1982 children’s novel, this darkly comic and mischievous new stage adaptation by Tom Wells is playing to sellout audiences at Stratford’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre for an 11-week run over the festive season.
And it’s easy to see why, when I was there on Monday, people were hoping to strike lucky by joining the queue for returns at the box office.
Under the inspired direction of Daniel Evans, this production is a triumphant blend of imagination, heart, and magical theatre stardust.
The feelgood story is a familiar one to children and parents everywhere and, arguably, among Dahl’s best. . .
One extraordinary night, a young orphan named Sophie (played brilliantly last night by Martha Bailey Vine) is snatched by a giant and taken far away to Giant Country.
There she learns that human-eating giants are guzzling ‘norphans’ the world over. But she soon discovers that her new friend, the BFG, is different – he’s a dream-catching, snozzcumber-munching gentle soul who refuses to eat humans.
While other giants wreak havoc – cue norphan-guzzling giant Bloodbottler, alias Richard Riddell – the BFG ignites Sophie’s imagination, and they devise a daring plan to save ‘chiddlers’ everywhere. In the end, the smallest human bean and the gentlest giant prove that a dream can change the world.
John Leader’s portrayal of the Big Friendly Giant immediately wins us over, such is the tenderness he brings to this iconic character.
But this must be one of the most challenging of Dahl’s tales to adapt for the stage – a challenge that has been solved in the most imaginative of ways, with multiple versions of the giant, his orphan friend Sophie and the child-munching giant Bloodbottle. This masterclass in stagecraft and switches of scale – between puppets and human actors –results in a very special theatrical treat. The brilliance of both the puppets and the puppeteers – designed by Toby Olié – allows us to suspend disbelief effortlessly.
It’s an exhilarating visual feast of a production that oozes charm and succeeds at all levels, blending perfectly the stagecraft with clever use of props, illusions and video projections, all set to a powerful musical score.
While very different from its Dahl-inspired predecessor Matilda, hopefully The BFG will enjoy the same longevity and success. A must for the young and young at heart. And fizz poppingly giant hit of a show if ever I saw one.
The BFG plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon until 7th February 2026 before transferring to Chichester Festival Theatre on March 9th-April 11th before heading for a limited run in Singapore.
See HERE or call the Box Office on 01789 331111 for more details about tickets availability.
