London
It’s the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth on September 13. Here’s what you can do to celebrate
This massive celebration of Roald Dahl takes place in the writer's birth city over one weekend. Nigel Jamieson directs a cast of 6,000 who will be performing in shops, city landmarks and more as part of the Wales Millennium Centre and National Theatre of Wales' event. On Sunday, Bute Park hosts the Great Pyjama Picnic and there are also ticketed readings all over the place. If you want to make any sort of Dahl pilgrimage this year, then this should certainly be top of your list.
This exhibition focuses on the man behind those iconic pictures we all associate with Dahl. Featuring first roughs and storyboards that have never been shown before, you can see many of the original sketches for books like The Twits, Danny the Champion of the World, as well as sketches from David Walliams' book The Boy in the Dress.
A brand new adult adaptation of Dahl's novel about the scruffiest, nastiest duo takes place underground in London. The show hasn't officially opened yet, but pre-show rumours tell us that mad food scientists Bompas and Parr will be cooking up a real horror-show for the audience's delectation. You literally get dinner, with the Twits. Worm spaghetti anyone?
Currently open in London is this brilliant exhibition of BFG illustrations. The exhibition features both illustrations used in the original book and those that never saw the light of day by Dahl's long-term collaborator Quentin Blake.
The RSC, Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly's smash-hit musical adaptation of Dahl's classic tale is a great way to experience the story anew. It's been in the West End for a while, but it's still at the top of its game and should delight naughty Dahl fans whatever their age.
If you fancy toasting Dahl while gazing out at one of the best views in London, you can't go wrong with this afternoon tea at Aqua Shard, the British restaurant and bar on the 31st floor. The menu doesn't look too weird and features a Roly-Poly Bird choux bun, The Witches chocolate mice and a BFG breakfast sandwich. You can upgrade your afternoon tea to a champagne infused one too…
This free interactive webcast takes place on Dahl's actual birthday. The webcast will feature – among much else – a performance from the cast of Matilda, a peek at the archives of the Roald Dahl Museum, and a look behind the scenes on Spielberg's The BFG. It's broadcast from the Cambridge Theatre and to view the webcast you need to create an account here and log in on the day.
It's one of the last chances you have to catch this big, bright and beautiful staging of Roald Dahl's book, about a boy and a chocolate factory, in London as producers announced the show will be finishing its run in the capital and heading out on tour next year. It's a smart adaptation, with some fantastic sets and Jonathan Slinger is currently giving a luminous performance as Willy Wonka.
David Wood's adaptation was a hit when it premiered last year at Leicester Curve. Now the show is back, this time in Yorkshire, for a Christmas run. It's a great alternative festive show for ages 5 and up. Read our review of the production here.
Of course the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is going to be the place to be to celebrate Roald Dahl day. On the 17 September the little village of Missenden in Buckhinghamshire, where Dahl lived and wrote for 36 years will be full of Dahl enthusiasts of all shapes and sizes. The Museum of the Unexpected is an all day celebration which features a scent trail, storytelling, face painting and balloon modelling and some magic thrown in too.