Step into Giant Country this winter as Roald Dahl’s beloved tale The BFG is brought to life on stage at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. This brand-new adaptation by Tom Wells, directed by RSC Co-Artistic Director Daniel Evans, is the Royal Shakespeare Company’s big family show for the 2025–26 festive season.
Running from 25 November 2025 to 7 February 2026, the production invites audiences of all ages to join Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant on a wild adventure filled with giants, dreams and plenty of Dahl-esque mischief – right in the heart of Shakespeare’s hometown.
The BFG: Stratford’s New Giant-Sized Hit
Critics are calling the new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic a "visual feast." From whizzpopping laughs to five-star performances, see why this is the perfect winter warmer.
Read Full ReviewWhat to Expect
One sleepless night, young orphan Sophie spots a giant striding through the streets and is whisked away to Giant Country. There she discovers a world of child-gobbling giants – but also meets the Big Friendly Giant, a kind, dream-catching outsider who refuses to eat humans. Together, Sophie and the BFG hatch a daring plan to stop the other giants and protect children everywhere.
On stage, expect a mix of humour, heart and just the right amount of shivers. The creative team uses puppetry, inventive sets and clever visual effects to shift between Sophie’s bedroom, the vast landscapes of Giant Country, shimmering Dream Country and the grandeur of Buckingham Palace. The show is designed to feel properly “giant-sized” while still being warm and personal enough for younger theatregoers.
This is a major international co-production between the Royal Shakespeare Company, Chichester Festival Theatre, Singapore Repertory Theatre – Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, and the Roald Dahl Story Company, with the Stratford run marking the world stage premiere of Tom Wells’ version of the story.
The production is described as darkly funny but ultimately uplifting – very much in Dahl’s spirit – with plenty of giant-language silliness, jars of bottled dreams and a few snozzcumbers along the way. It’s a show that aims to send audiences home feeling braver, kinder and a little more willing to believe in impossible things.
Practical Info & Who It’s For
Running time: approximately 1 hour 48 minutes including a 20-minute interval, making it an easy fit for an afternoon or early evening family outing. (Always check your e-ticket or the RSC website before you travel, as running times can occasionally change.)
Who it’s for: This production is aimed at families and young theatregoers, with most guidance suggesting it’s best suited to children around 8+, as well as nostalgic adults who grew up with the book or film. Expect some loud moments, giant-related peril and atmospheric lighting, so it’s worth checking the detailed content notes if anyone in your group is sensitive to noise or scares.
The RSC provides a comprehensive content advisory for The BFG, covering themes, effects and anything that might help you prepare children or more anxious audience members. There are also dedicated assisted performances, including audio-described, BSL-integrated, captioned, chilled and relaxed shows, making it easier for a wide range of audiences to enjoy the production.
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre sits on Waterside beside the River Avon, just a short walk from Stratford-upon-Avon town centre and the train station. You’ll find information on parking, public transport, cycling and access on the RSC’s “Getting Here” page, plus details on pre-show dining and interval drinks at the Rooftop Restaurant and Riverside Café on the main Your Visit hub.
At the time of writing, the RSC notes that the best seat availability is for mid-week performances and early January dates, so if you’re flexible on when you go, those slots are likely to offer the widest choice.
Tickets can be booked directly via the RSC: find out more and book on the official BFG page, or go straight to the RSC’s booking system for this production at secure.rsc.org.uk. Ticket prices vary by date and seat, with a range of discounts available for families, young people, over-65s, disabled audience members and groups.
Event details at a glance
- Location: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6BB – part of the Royal Shakespeare Company complex on the riverside.
- Dates: 25 November 2025 – 7 February 2026 (check the RSC website for the latest schedule and any additional performances).
- Performance times: Times vary by date (matinee and evening performances); see the RSC show page or booking system for up-to-date listings.
- Running time: Approx. 1 hour 48 minutes including a 20-minute interval.
- Ticket booking: Book tickets via the Royal Shakespeare Company.
- Best for: Families with children around 8+, Roald Dahl fans, first-time theatre-goers, and anyone who loves imaginative staging, puppetry and big-hearted storytelling.
- Accessibility & content info: See the RSC’s content advisory and assisted performances pages before you book.
- Organiser: Royal Shakespeare Company, in collaboration with Chichester Festival Theatre, Singapore Repertory Theatre – Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, and the Roald Dahl Story Company.
- Supporters: Craft & Design for 2025 is sponsored by Pragnell, with new work at the RSC supported by the Hawthornden Foundation and The Drue and H.J. Heinz II Charitable Trust.
