What can Dubai expect from the show?
Dubai can expect to see one of Dahl’s most powerful stories faithfully translated to the stage, with magic, colour, puppetry, music, humour and lots of joyous audience participation.
You have said, ‘I often try to incorporate elements of magic and illusion’ into your shows. Will we see magic in
too? There is indeed magic in the play, part of the exciting theatrical magic that makes up this Birmingham Stage Company production. Animals grow and shrink. Legs and necks stretch, and Grandmother magically grows to such an extent that she bursts through the roof. The creation of George’s marvellous medicine leads to magical transformations and hilarity for the audience. The magic in the story is faithfully recreated on stage.
What draws you to Dahl’s tales? Why do you think they work so well on stage?
I have now adapted eight Roald Dahl stories for the stage. I much admire the way his stories empower the young protagonists, with whom, of course, the young audience/reader identifies. These remarkable young heroes and heroines have all the odds stacked against them, but manage to succeed. Sophie helps the BFG save the children of the world, as does the Boy in Dahl emotionally involves his audience.
Also, Dahl writes wonderful baddies, who are dreadful yet comic. Dahl knows that children like animals and food — these become staple ingredients in his stories.