The BFG ~ The RSC, Stratford

By Helen McWilliams
Saturday 7 February 2026
Reviewed by Helen McWilliams 

Star rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is a belated review due to 2026 and its challenges, however its an absolute pleasure to review such an exceptional piece of theatre and hopefully encourage more theatre-goers to go and see the Roald Dahl's masterpiece at Chichester Festival Theatre.

The BFG has long been my favourite story from Dahl's extraordinary cornucopia of magnificent novels. Having read the book as a child and not being able to put it down, I am immediately drawn in when a production of any description closely resembles the magical treat I devoured on multiple occasions years ago. In The RSC's adaptation, which has been adapted by Tom Wells in collaboration with the additional material provided by dramaturg Jenny Worton, the scene is set simply and effectively as pictured above (photo credit: Connor McWilliams) and allows the imagination to wander before the action unfolds. 

If you aren't familiar with the story, it revolves around Sophie (played by Martha Bailey Vine at the performance I saw) who lives in an orphanage with her friend Kimberley (Uma Patel at this performance). One evening she is mysteriously kidnapped by a giant, having witnessed his face appear at the orphanage window, leading her on a voyage of discovery that's both exciting and terrifying in equal measure. Ultimately it's a tale of friendship and acceptance, current themes indeed.


A stellar cast of first class performers and creatives bring the action to life, ably assisted by atmospheric lighting and effects that The RSC are renowned for excelling at. Puppets are integrated seamlessly as part of the cast and there are variations of size to depict the height difference between eg Sophie and the BFG or with arch enemy, Bloodbottler. The puppeteers do a magnificent job and bring real character to the roles they are portraying. They all deserve praise and admiration for being masters of their art, the puppets added extra impetus to every scene in which they appeared.

Discovering a new (to me) actor is a wonderful feeling and on this occasion I was particularly enchanted by the royally glorious performance of Helena Lymbery as our dear late Queen. I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for more of her work. Another actor who was new to me, was John Leader as the Big Friendly Giant himself. What a talented and engaging artist who captured the characteristics of the famous character perfectly. The continuity between Leader and each puppet was also incredible, a feast for the eyes if ever there was one. 


A big shout out must go to all of the production team, too many of them to mention individually but each one of them deserves credit. Daniel Evans has directed a triumph which thoroughly deserved the packed houses in Stratford and touched my heart and mind. 

The BFG continues its journey at Chichester Festival Theatre from Monday 9 March 2026, make sure you go and see the splendour for yourselves!

Photo credits: Marc Brenner

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