Exciting News: John Leader Cast as the BFG in Royal Shakespeare Company’s Upcoming Adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Classic
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced that John Leader will star as the Big Friendly Giant in its much-anticipated stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved tale, "The BFG." This production, skillfully adapted by Tom Wells, known for works like "The Kitchen Sink" and "Jumpers for Goalposts," is a collaborative effort between the RSC, Chichester Festival Theatre, and the Roald Dahl Story Company.
In this enchanting story, we follow Sophie, a young orphan who is taken to Giant Country by the kind-hearted BFG. There, she learns about the other giants who are causing havoc and terrorizing children around the world. Together, Sophie and the BFG hatch a daring plan to stop these menacing giants and protect children everywhere. This narrative was previously brought to life on the big screen by Steven Spielberg in 2016.
John Leader, who has previously graced the RSC stage in productions like "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and "The School for Scandal," brings a wealth of theatrical experience to this iconic role. His impressive background includes performances in "Wuthering Heights," "Peter Pan," and "War Horse" at the National Theatre, as well as "A Monster Calls" at The Old Vic and "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" at the Bridge Theatre.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing such an iconic character who means so much to so many people,” Leader expressed. “Everyone has their own vision of the BFG, so it’s incredibly exciting—and a bit surreal—to bring him to life on stage.”
Daniel Evans, co-artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company and director of this production, described the casting process as “a giant undertaking in so many ways.” He emphasized the importance of finding the right actor, stating, “John Leader brings immense warmth, generosity, and humility to the role—qualities that are essential for our BFG. He possesses a vivid imagination and will collaborate with a talented team of puppeteers as part of a cast of eighteen.”
The creative team behind this magical production includes puppetry designer and director Toby Olié, set designer Vicki Mortimer, costume designer Kinnetia Isidore, lighting designer Zoe Spurr, video designer Akhila Krishnan, illusions designer Chris Fisher, composer Oleta Haffner, sound designer Carolyn Downing, and choreographer and movement director Ira Mandela Siobhan.
Mark your calendars! "The BFG" will premiere at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon for a limited 10-week engagement from November 25, 2025, to January 31, 2026, before moving to Chichester Festival Theatre from March 9 to April 11, 2026. Don’t miss the chance to experience this extraordinary adaptation of a timeless classic!
