Quote from Alex bobby on January 31, 2025, 5:12 AM

Royal Shakespeare Company to Adapt Roald Dahl’s The BFG for the Stage

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced an exciting new stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novel The BFG, set to premiere in 2025. In collaboration with the Chichester Festival Theatre and the Roald Dahl Story Company, the production will open at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon for a 10-week run over the festive season.

A Classic Tale Comes to Life

The BFG follows the heartwarming story of Sophie, a young orphan who befriends the Big Friendly Giant. Together, they embark on a mission to stop the other, far more menacing giants from eating children. The tale, filled with adventure, humour, and a touch of magic, has been a childhood favourite since its publication in 1982.

This adaptation marks RSC’s first stage production of a Roald Dahl novel since the globally successful Matilda the Musical, which premiered in 2010. Matilda has since been performed in over 100 cities worldwide, winning numerous awards and capturing the hearts of millions.

Visionary Direction and Playwriting

The production will be directed by RSC’s co-artistic director Daniel Evans, who expressed his enthusiasm for bringing The BFG to the stage. In an interview with BBC News, Evans shared his belief that the story will resonate with both children and adults. “Everyone has dreams, and the story shows that if you believe hard enough, your dreams can come true,” he said.

The stage adaptation will be penned by acclaimed playwright Tom Wells, known for works such as Broken Biscuits, The Kitchen Sink, and Me, As A Penguin. His distinctive storytelling style, which blends humour with heartfelt emotion, is expected to bring a fresh yet faithful interpretation of Dahl’s classic.

The Queen’s Role and a Poignant Connection

A notable character in The BFG is the Queen, who plays a pivotal role in helping Sophie and the BFG defeat the evil giants. The character was originally based on Queen Elizabeth II, and with her passing in 2022, Evans noted that her presence in the play would carry an added sense of poignancy for audiences who grew up with her as their monarch.

The Evolution of The BFG and Sensitivity Edits

The announcement comes after recent revisions to Dahl’s books to make them more inclusive for modern readers. In 2023, some lines from The BFG were altered, such as replacing “You’ve gone white as a sheet!” with “You’ve gone still as a statue!” Additionally, the BFG no longer wears a “black” cloak. Sensitivity readers reviewed Dahl’s works to remove potentially offensive content, leading to changes across several of his books.

However, Evans emphasised that these changes might not be as significant in the theatre world. “The text will be adapted by the playwright, who will have a certain vision of how the characters should be presented and the story they want to tell. It might be that the language is changed entirely or even that those scenes are cut,” he explained.

The Enduring Legacy of The BFG

First published in 1982, The BFG has sold over 21 million copies worldwide and remains one of Dahl’s most cherished works. According to a YouGov survey, it ranks as the 10th most popular children’s book. The story has been adapted multiple times, including a 2016 fantasy adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg, featuring Sir Mark Rylance as the BFG and Ruby Barnhill as Sophie.

Dahl’s works continue to be a source of inspiration for stage and screen. The Roald Dahl Story Company has previously adapted The Magic Theatre, The Witches, and The Enormous Crocodile for live performances. With Matilda the Musical achieving immense global success, expectations are high for RSC’s The BFG adaptation.

A Beloved but Controversial Author

Despite his literary acclaim, Roald Dahl remains a controversial figure due to antisemitic remarks he made during his lifetime. In 2020, his family issued a public apology, acknowledging the “lasting and understandable hurt” caused by his statements. Nonetheless, his books continue to be widely read and cherished, having sold over 300 million copies in 64 languages as of 2023.

Anticipation for the Stage Premiere

With its rich storytelling, beloved characters, and a production team known for theatrical excellence, The BFG stage adaptation is set to be a highlight of the 2025 festive season. The combination of Roald Dahl’s magical world, Daniel Evans’ visionary direction, and Tom Wells’ fresh adaptation promises a production that will captivate audiences of all ages.

As anticipation builds, theatre lovers and Dahl fans alike will eagerly await further details on casting and production elements. If history is any indication, RSC’s The BFG could become another landmark adaptation in the world of children’s theatre.

Conclusion

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s adaptation of The BFG marks an exciting return to Roald Dahl’s beloved stories on stage. With a talented creative team, including director Daniel Evans and playwright Tom Wells, this production promises to bring the magic of Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant to life for a new generation of theatregoer’s.

As audiences eagerly anticipate the 10-week festive season run in 2025, this adaptation highlights the enduring appeal of Dahl’s storytelling, despite past controversies over language changes and his legacy. With Matilda the Musical setting a high standard for Dahl’s stage adaptations, The BFG has the potential to captivate both children and adults, reinforcing the power of dreams, courage, and friendship.

This production not only celebrates one of Dahl’s most cherished works but also underscores the RSC’s commitment to bringing timeless stories to life in fresh and imaginative ways. Fans of the book and new audiences alike will have much to look forward to when The BFG steps onto the stage in Stratford-upon-Avon.