Big Friendly Giant comes to Lyceum Theatre

TAKE a trip to the land of the giants at the Lyceum this festive season, where Roald Dahl’s classic book The BFG has been brought to the stage by the team behind the company’s 2013 Christmas show, A Christmas Carol.
Roald Dahl's Big Friendly Giant. Pic: CompRoald Dahl's Big Friendly Giant. Pic: Comp
Roald Dahl's Big Friendly Giant. Pic: Comp

Directed by Andrew Panton, The Big Friendly Giant captures dreams and keeps them in bottles for children to enjoy while they sleep. He is unlike other giants. For a start, he doesn’t like to eat people.

Together with his new best friend, little orphan Sophie, and with the help of the Queen and the heads of the army and airforce, with their helicopters, he embarks on a mission to save the children of Britain from the child-eating giants, Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater, Bonecruncher, Meatdripper, Childchewer, and Gizzardgulper.

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Lewis Howden, who first trod the boards in the Capital as a member of the Edinburgh Youth Theatre back in the 80s, brings The BFG to life in the Royal Lyceum production. Playing such an iconic and loveable character is “a great responsibility,” he says. “I have to be as good or better than all these children expect.”

That said, he admits it’s one of the most fun parts he has played to date. In true friendly giant style he laughs, “It’s wondercrump and whoopsey splunkers!

“The secret of The BFG is that it is a special show for anytime,” he continues, “but we are also bringing Christmas elements and music into the show which doubles the fun. It really does have something for everyone - mums, dads, boys, girls.

“We’re not deciding what is for who though.” Suitable for ages 5+

The Big Friendly Giant, Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay Street, until 3 January 2015, various times, £19-£28, 0131-248 4848

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