If you haven’t yet booked your tickets for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Christmas production, you might want to act fast. The reviews are in for The BFG, and it seems Stratford-upon-Avon has a giant-sized hit on its hands.
Running now through February 2026 at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, this new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved classic has been met with a wave of four and five-star reviews, with critics praising its “technical wizardry,” “pure heart,” and “spellbinding puppetry.”
The BFG: Step Into Giant Country
Join Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant on a wild adventure in the heart of Shakespeare’s hometown. A perfect winter warmer filled with puppetry, dreams, and plenty of Dahl-esque mischief.
See Dates & TicketsA Visual Feast
Directed by Daniel Evans in his directorial debut for the RSC, the production has been hailed for its inventive use of scale. Rather than relying on a single costume, the show utilizes a mix of actors and puppets of varying sizes to create the illusion of giants towering over humans.
Puppetry designer Toby Olié is receiving particular acclaim, with The Reviews Hub calling the puppets "a thing of wonder." The seamless transition between the human actor John Leader—who plays a younger, warmer version of the Big Friendly Giant—and his puppet counterparts has captivated audiences, creating what Warwickshire World describes as "a window into the imagination where all is somehow weightless and wondrous."
Star Performances
While the visual effects are stunning, the cast is carrying the emotional weight of the story with equal skill. The role of Sophie is shared by three young actresses, with Ellemie Shivers drawing praise on press night for a performance described as "feisty," "confident," and full of sass.
Adult audiences are finding plenty to laugh about, too. Helena Lymbery’s turn as the Queen has been singled out as a comedic highlight, particularly during the famous "whizzpopping" breakfast scene. She is ably supported by Philip Labey and Luke Sumner as Captains Smith and Frith, whose stiff-upper-lip military antics have been stealing scenes and leaving the auditorium in stitches.
A snippet of the critical reception:
- The Stage: "Delivers a sense of glowing delight... gorgeously realised."
- WhatsOnStage: "A gloriumptious stage version... fun for all the family."
- The Guardian: A more reserved review, noting it is "intermittently showing the RSC's artistic power," though acknowledging audiences will have "enough fun."
Ticket Information
The production runs until 7 February 2026. Given the glowing reception and the festive rush, residents are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
Whether you are 8 or 80, this retelling of the friendship between a little girl and a dream-catching giant appears to be the perfect winter warmer for Stratford residents.
Tickets can be booked via the RSC website or by calling the box office.
