Imagine a wondrous world where dreams, giants, and a brave little girl collide in a festive flurry of magic and mayhem. That’s exactly what awaits you this holiday season, as THE BFG makes its grand return—this time in a brand-new stage adaptation guaranteed to capture hearts young and old. Whether you grew up devouring Roald Dahl’s imaginative tales or discovered them as an adult enchanted by his offbeat humour, this fresh production promises to be a highlight of the theatrical calendar. So, brace yourself for a journey into dream country, complete with giant footprints, swirling illusions, and the kind of Christmassy cheer that only live theatre can deliver.
Long considered one of Britain’s most beloved storytellers, Roald Dahl continues to enchant readers worldwide. From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Matilda, his novels have become cornerstones in children’s literature and popular culture. In fact, Dahl’s books are so widely read that, according to the Roald Dahl Story Company, they have sold more than 300 million copies globally—a testament to their timeless appeal.
Yet there’s something particularly endearing about THE BFG. Published in 1982, it tells the story of Sophie, a young orphan who befriends the Big Friendly Giant and embarks on an adventure to stop man-eating giants. At its core, THE BFG is a tale of unlikely friendship, courage, and the power of imagination—perfect fodder for a stage show that aims to transport audiences of all ages to a world of wonder.
The creative forces behind this new production are as awe-inspiring as the giants themselves. The show results from an exciting partnership between the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), Chichester Festival Theatre, and the Roald Dahl Story Company. This collaboration alone sets the bar high. The RSC is renowned worldwide for its commitment to excellence in theatre, having brought classics to life for generations. Meanwhile, Chichester Festival Theatre has earned accolades for innovative stagecraft and fresh interpretations of both new and established works.
At the helm is Daniel Evans, co-artistic director of the RSC. Many will recognise him for his acclaimed directorial work on Quiz, South Pacific, and Our Generation. With a track record for breathing new life into beloved stories, Evans seems perfectly placed to guide THE BFG from page to stage—especially during the festive season, when audiences are hungry for something magical. Assisting him is an impressive roster of award-winning creatives, from puppetry designer and director Toby Olié to set designer Vicki Mortimer and costume designer Kinnetia Isidore.
One element sure to capture attention is the show’s reliance on puppetry to bring Dahl’s fantastical world to life. Toby Olié is a name well known in British theatre circles, having contributed to productions such as War Horse and Pinocchio. Puppets offer a special kind of storytelling magic—one that fuses technology, artistry, and live performance in a way digital media simply cannot replicate.
For THE BFG, puppetry becomes more than just a novel effect; it is the key to realising giants that tower over the stage and conjuring dream sequences that sparkle with the surreal. When done well, this approach can leave audiences breathless, fully immersed in the spectacle. And with Daisy Beattie joining as co-designer of the puppets, fans can expect a level of craft and detail that does justice to Dahl’s vivid world.
While the BFG is famously “friendly,” Dahl populated his universe with other, decidedly more threatening giants. One can only imagine the theatrical flair needed to stage the terrifying but comedic moments when Sophie realises that not all giants share her newfound friend’s benevolent outlook. To help pull this off, the production has enlisted Chris Fisher, an illusionist whose expertise will likely add layers of jaw-dropping moments.
Furthermore, Zoe Spurr (lighting designer) and Akhila Krishnan (video designer) will collaborate to create dynamic backdrops, turning the stage into a shifting landscape of orphans’ dormitories, giant country, and dream-blowing nights under starry skies. Meanwhile, Oleta Haffner is composing the score, which should weave seamlessly with Carolyn Downing’s sound design to capture the emotional highs and lows of Dahl’s narrative. If the universal acclaim for Dahl’s stories is anything to go by—Matilda The Musical being a prime example—this production could very well join the ranks of must-see family adaptations.
The script comes from Tom Wells, whose work includes the play Jumpers for Goalposts, praised for its mix of warmth and wit. This balancing act—remaining faithful to Dahl’s original text while keeping a modern audience engaged—requires careful skill. For example, how does one reframe Sophie’s childlike wonder in a way that resonates with 21st-century families? How do you translate the BFG’s quirky language, which is full of “whizzpopping” and “scrumdiddlyumptious,” without veering into pantomime?
Wells’s approach, judging from his previous works, seems well-suited to bridging the gap between Dahl’s timeless whimsy and contemporary theatrical trends. By all accounts, the production aims to maintain the heart of the original story—complete with the BFG’s comedic misunderstanding of English words—while ensuring the themes of kindness, bravery, and friendship remain central.
It’s fitting that a story steeped in dreamlike wonder makes its debut at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Known the world over as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford has become a year-round hub for theatre enthusiasts. From 25 November 2025 to 31 January 2026, audiences will have the chance to catch this new adaptation. A press night is scheduled for 9 December, likely guaranteeing the show will receive plenty of seasonal buzz just as holiday festivities hit their stride.
Ticket prices start at an accessible £16, underscoring the production’s family-friendly ethos—after all, Dahl’s stories have always appealed to children and adults alike. If you’re looking for a Christmas outing that goes beyond the standard pantomime or festive revue, THE BFG could be your golden ticket.
Following its run in Stratford, the production transfers to Chichester Festival Theatre from 16 March to 12 April 2026. This secondary run gives audiences in the south another opportunity to witness the spectacle and, for dedicated fans, the excuse for a second viewing. Chichester Festival Theatre often prides itself on fostering new works and reinterpretations of classics—recent highlights include inventive revivals of musicals like South Pacific. Full details of the Chichester engagement are expected to be announced in September 2025, so keep your ear to the ground if you’re hoping for premium seats.
Moreover, Chichester’s family-friendly approach suits a production of this nature. Set in a charming coastal city with a thriving arts scene, the theatre sees significant foot traffic from locals and tourists. Its unique thrust stage format and modern design could lend fresh angles to the show’s staging, meaning the production may evolve subtly between Stratford and Chichester.
One aspect sure to spark curiosity is how set designer Vicki Mortimer and costume designer Kinnetia Isidore will translate Dahl’s whimsy into tangible aesthetics. The BFG’s towering presence and outlandish outfits present a delightful challenge for any designer. Meanwhile, Sophie’s shift from nightdress-clad orphan to fearless companion could offer subtle visual cues for character growth.
Behind the scenes, it’s a well-orchestrated ballet of artistry. For instance, choreographer and movement director Ira Mandela Siobhan will be working alongside the technical crew to ensure fluid transitions between the giant realm and the human world. Every detail—whether it’s the BFG’s enormous ear trumpet or the dream jars capturing children’s nighttime fantasies—will factor into the show’s immersive quality. These elements, brought to life under theatre lights, are precisely what make live performance so special compared to a film adaptation.
If you’re planning a family outing this Christmas, THE BFG might just be your perfect pick. Beyond the excitement of introducing younger audiences to Dahl’s universe, there’s something profoundly heart-warming about the story’s central message: that true friendship knows no boundaries, not even those that seem as large as the giants’ footprints. According to a 2023 poll by the National Literacy Trust, reading for pleasure among children is on the rise, with classics like Dahl’s continuing to rank highly. This stage adaptation could be an ideal opportunity to reinforce that love of reading, as children see their favourite characters springing to life in front of them.
Dahl’s global reach is well documented, with stage adaptations of his work having flourished not just in the UK but also in far-flung corners of the world. Though no specific tours of THE BFG have been announced for Australia, it’s worth noting that Australian theatre has a history of embracing Dahl’s stories, as seen with MATILDA THE MUSICAL, which enjoyed a wildly successful run in Sydney and Melbourne. Should this new production receive significant acclaim, it wouldn’t be surprising if there’s talk of a future international transfer. After all, the combination of Dahl’s storytelling and expert British theatre craft remains a potent draw for audiences everywhere.
It’s not often you find a stage show that can enthral children, captivate adults, and honour a timeless literary classic all at once. THE BFG might just achieve that trifecta, harnessing the collective might of the Royal Shakespeare Company and Chichester Festival Theatre alongside some of Britain’s top-tier creative talents. Whether you’re a die-hard Dahl fan, a curious parent, or simply someone looking to rekindle a sense of childlike wonder, this production stands ready to whisk you into a land where kindness and bravery trump any big, bad giant.
As the opening night approaches, excitement only continues to build around THE BFG. With each new detail—be it the innovative puppetry, the illusions, or the creative synergy of designers, choreographers, and directors—the show promises to be a feast for the senses. So, if you’ve ever dared to wonder what magic might be found between the pages of a Dahl classic or beyond the footlights of a British theatre, this might be your perfect invitation to dream big. After all, as the Big Friendly Giant himself might say, “sometimes human beans is full of surprises”—and what better surprise than discovering a little bit of Christmas magic in the form of a brand-new adventure on stage?
The Empire has announced the appointment of three new Directors to The Empire’s Board, officially…
Theatrical licensor Music Theatre International announced the official launch of Broadway Senior a collection of…
Grammy Award-winning American composer Eric Whitacre returns to Sydney with the Australian premiere of his…
Melbourne Opera will stage Saint-Saens grand opera Samson & Delilah from 1 June at the…
Washington, D.C. — A growing rift between the performing-arts community and President Donald Trump is…
Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live today announced that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical CATS…