Becky John on The BFG

Becky John is currently on tour, starring in The BFG as Sophie. The hit children’s play from Fiery Angel and Royal Derngate Northampton arrives in Manchester later this month. We caught up with her to find out all about Roald Dahl‘s children-eating giant.

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For anyone who has not read it, can you tell us a little bit about The BFG?
Without giving too much away, it’s about a young orphan called Sophie. One night she can’t sleep and happens to look out the window and see a huge giant blowing dreams. The giant panics, grabs Sophie and takes her back to his cave where he explains to her that he’s actually a friendly giant, but had to take her because he was worried that she would tell people about him. Whilst at the cave the BFG explains he’s not the only giant that exists in Giant country but the other giants aren’t friendly like him. In fact they eat humans. Sophie thinks this is awful and with the BFG, and help from the Queen of England they concoct a plan to stop the evil giants.

What do you like about Manchester?
I’ve actually never performed at Manchester before so this will be my first time. I visit here a lot and I really love the atmosphere; everyones very keen to just have a good time, which is the way it should be.

Describe the pleasure of appearing in a family based show?
It’s the hardest work but the most fun, you can’t drop your energy for a minute because so will the audience. Quite a lot of the audience members have read the book so when they hear the words “Snoozcumbers” or “Whizzpoping” they get excited before they’ve even seen what’s about to happen, it’s great when that happens.

They say never work with animals or children, but kids can be harsh critics too. Has anything funny happened involving the young the audience on the tour so far?
Well, you never get used to the childrens reaction, they shout things out all the time. It means they are really watching and feel part of the action. Which in tern means we’re doing our job properly!

Roald Dahl’s work continues to attract new audiences. Why do you think this is?
I honestly believe he’s timeless, his books will be read for many many years to come. His stories are exciting and inventive, they break rules and allow children to be in charge. What children’s writer these days would write about Giants that eat children for supper!!

With so many kids’ shows doing the rounds, can you summarise why people should come and see this one?
We have everything in this show, small puppets, giant puppets, shadow puppets, instruments, laughter, excitement, adventure, we’ve even got the Queen!

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Becky John was speaking to Glenn Meads

The BFG runs at the Palace Theatre from 25 – 29 August. For more information, please click here.