The Big Friendly Giant

A comedy adapted for the stage by David Wood from the book by Roald Dahl. The story of Sophie, a young orphan, who spies The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) from her window one night. He whisks her away to Giant Country and Sophie fears for her life. But, The BFG is not like other giants: instead of eating “human beans,” he collects pleasant dreams to deliver to sleeping children. Together Sophie and The BFG try to save England from the “gizzardgulpers” – orphan-eating giants who lack The BFG’s heart.

The original text
The BFG was first performed at Wimbledon Theatre, London in 1991, followed by a tour and a West End season for Christmas at the Aldwych Theatre.

Performance history in South Africa
Presented by the Baxter Theatre by arrangement with James Wood and Justin Savage for Clarion productions opening 26 February 1993. Fred Abrahamse directed, assisted by Itumeleng Wa-Lehulere starring Tobie Cronjé as the BFG, Heather Schiff as Sophie, Shirley Johnston as Mum, with Glenn Swart, Pierre Neethling, Liana Collet, Aziwe Magida and Denver Vraagom. Musical direction by Brian Burke, puppets by the Handspring Puppet Company designed by Susie Caulcutt, lighting design by Brian Collins, sound by David Cathcart, costumes by Hazel van der Hoven. Puppet master Adrian Kohler.

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