Further cast confirmed for The BFG stage adaptation

The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced further casting for its upcoming production of The BFG, presented in collaboration with Chichester Festival Theatre and the Roald Dahl Story Company.

Helena Lymbery will make her RSC debut as The Queen, while the role of Sophie will be shared between Elsie Laslett, Ellemie Shivers and Martha Bailey Vine, while Sophie’s best friend from the orphanage, Kimberley, will be played by Maisy Lee, Charlotte Jones and Uma Patel.

They join the previously confirmed John Leader, who takes on the title role of the Big Friendly Giant. Further casting is to be revealed.

Director Daniel Evans said: “In Tom Wells’ magical new stage adaptation of The BFG, there is no greater power than the power of friendship. Helena Lymbery’s wit, warmth and infectious sense of humour make her the perfect choice for our Queen, who finds her closeted life of privilege turned upside down with the arrival of Sophie and The BFG. Joining Helena are six, incredibly talented young actors who, together, will originate the roles of Sophie and her friend Kimberley.”

Based on Roald Dahl’s novel, Wells’ new adaptation will open at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from 25 November 2025 to 31 January 2026, with press night on 9 December. The production will then transfer to Chichester Festival Theatre from 9 March to 11 April 2026.

The creative team includes puppetry designer and director Toby Olié, set designer Vicki Mortimer, costume designer Kinnetia Isidore, lighting designer Zoe Spurr, video designer Akhila Krishnan, illusions by Chris Fisher, composer Oleta Haffner, sound designer Carolyn Downing, choreographer and movement director Ira Mandela Siobhan, puppetry co-designer Daisy Beattie and senior set design associate Matt Hellyer. Casting is by Christopher Worrall CDG, with children’s casting by Verity Naughton CDG.

Tickets are now on sale from £16.