The BFG at Royal Shakespeare Theatre Review
Written by Emmie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Roald Dahl’s The BFG has captivated readers for generations, and now it bursts onto the stage in a vivid new adaptation by Tom Wells. Under the inspired direction of Daniel Evans, this production promises a thrilling blend of imagination, heart, and theatrical magic. The RSC continues its tradition of bold, ambitious reimaginings of stories following acclaimed productions such as The Magician’s Elephant and The Boy in the Dress in recent years.
A powerful story about friendship and kindness, The BFG shares the story of a brave little girl called Sophie who teams up with a big-eared giant who collects dreams, both good and bad. Together they set out to put a stop to the mean, child-gobbling giants who lurk in Giant Country with help from the most important person in the world - The Queen. Although a simplistic storyline, it packs an enormous punch!
This production of The BFG represents some of the finest work delivered by the RSC that I have ever witnessed. A true masterpiece of theatrical stagecraft, it weaves together a stunning blend of artistry. There’s the evocative score and ingenious puppetry to its lighting, set, costumes, illusions, and video projections. The seamless collaboration between the creative team, cast, and stage crew brings this timeless story to life with spectacular imagination and precision, which will leave even the youngest of audience members in awe of what is unfolding in the versatile space that this theatre has to offer.
What makes this show such a stand out is Toby Olié's staggering puppet design. Known for his work on The Enormous Crocodile and Spirited Away, its The BFG which truly showcases just how good he is at his craft. The team of puppeteers (Ben Thompson, Onioluwa Taiwob, Aki Nakagawa, Corey Mitchell, Shaun McCourt, Elisa De Grey, Fred Davis, Ailsa Darling, Sonya Cullingford and Parkey Abeyratne) breathe life into every aspect of the characters with remarkable precision and believability from the frightening giants like Bloodbottler to the warmhearted BFG. One of the most notable moments throughout the show with the detail of Olié's puppetry design is in its gaze of perspective. It seamlessly transitions between actors and puppets which superb effect. The actors really supported the work of their puppet companions.
The cast of The BFG is an utter joy to watch. There is charm and heart deeply rooted in every single actor who takes to the stage in this show. John Leader’s portrayal of the Big Friendly Giant is so beautifully done that you warm to him from the very first moment, drawn in by the genuine tenderness he brings to this iconic character. Ellemie Shivers’ Sophie is fierce and full of sass that fills the vast space of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre with oomph! She’s a force alongside Maisy Lee, who plays her best friend Kimberley. They were such an enjoyable duo to watch.
Helena Lymbery’s jaw-dropping turn as the Queen is side-splittingly funny, with her whizz-popping moment standing out as a particular highlight. Adding to the many moments of humour that is an important thread to this production, Philip Labey and Luke Sumner deliver triumphant performances as Captain Smith and Captain Firth, stealing scenes with tremendous effect as a brilliantly comic duo. Sargon Yelda’s Tibbs also gets a great moment to shine!
Overall, The BFG fizzes with utter brilliance and is filled to the brim with everything you would expect from a world-class RSC production. It works so well as a play, as opposed to a musical, that it retains your attention throughout. The BFG sparks your imagination, leaves you in awe, and has an enormous amount of heart that you will be telling everyone you know about this show. It’s phizz-whizzingly brilliant!
Plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre until 7 February 2026 ahead of a run at Chichester Festival Theatre from March and in Singapore from 22 April.
★★★★★
