The Stage

The BFG

Published Wednesday 18 March 2009 at 11:30 by Caroline Morris

This production of The BFG sees the words on the page electrifyingly brought to life on the stage, totally captivating the audience.

The longer, darker, more sinister first act is perhaps a little drawn out but is a couple of steps back from frightening the youngest members of the audience with the giants masks.

There is a wonderful display of bonding and trust between young Sophie, played by Becky John, and the BFG (John Pedley).

Our ensemble of nasty giants played by the remainder of the cast, get on with gory giant business and menacing activities. The BFG is thoroughly entertaining with his jumbly words - how useful they could be in the big world outside.

Without doubt, the second shorter act is much punchier, faster moving and more entertaining.

Here we encounter a charismatic performance of the Queen from Heather Phoenix, complete with corgi, a comic strip Queen of Sweden from Naomi Lee Schulke and the epitome of military men from Darrell Brockis as head of the army and Adam Baxter as head of the air force.

There is no better way to sum up this production than the words of one little boy leaving the theatre who said, “That was wicked.”