BFG Spends Christmas at Playhouse from 13 NovDate: 5 September 2002
The Snowman and The Nutcracker will have some fresh family-style competition in the West End this Christmas. The BFG, David Wood's stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's much-loved children's book, will move into the Playhouse for a festive season, running from 13 November 2002 to 5 January 2003 (See The Goss, 24 May 02).
Regularly topping polls of the best children's fiction in the world, The BFG, or Big Friendly Giant, is Dahl's story of young orphan, Sophie, who is 'snitched' from her bed and whisked off to Giant Country by the 15-ft BFG with a 'jumbly' way of talking.
The BFG was the first Dahl story reworked for the stage by David Wood. Since that 1990 production, which played two seasons in the West End, Wood has also found success with theatrical versions of Dahl's The Witches and The Twits.
Wood has returned to direct this new production, which was first mounted last December, timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the original publication of Dahl's book. It then toured to more than 30 venues across the country, including a stint at London's Sadler's Wells, through to August 2002.
The BFG stars Anthony Pedley, who reprises his stage turn as the giant, a role he originated in the 1990 premiere. The production is designed by Susie Caulcutt, with music by Peter Pontzen, lighting by Jeanine Davies and sound by Mike Furness. The musical supervisor is Jonathan Rutherford and the musical director is Andrew Higgs. The production is presented by Edward Snape for Fiery Angel Ltd.
One of the world's best-loved children's writers, Roald Dahl's many other books include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Danny, the Champion of the World, The Gremlins, Tales of the Unexpected and Matilda. The author died in 1990.
- by Terri Paddock
