Picture this: a colossal figure with a heart of gold swooping down to steal you away into a world of dreams and danger – that's the enchanting thrill awaiting fans of Roald Dahl's timeless tale, The BFG. And here's the exciting news: Singapore is about to get its very first theatre production of this beloved story, setting the stage for pure magic at the Esplanade. But here's where it gets even more intriguing – this isn't just any show; it's a fresh adaptation that's making waves across the globe, and we're diving into all the juicy details you need to know.
Scheduled to kick off in April 2026, this brand-new stage version of the 1982 children's classic by British author Roald Dahl will dazzle audiences at the Esplanade Theatre from April 22, with 12 performances that promise to capture imaginations. What makes this particularly special? Well, it's the inaugural time this production graces Singapore in theatrical form. Previous adaptations, like the 1991 staging that charmed crowds in London's West End and American venues, never made the journey here – until now.
This innovative remake is the result of a stellar collaboration, co-produced by heavyweight players including the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), Chichester Festival Theatre, Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC), Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT), and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Clocking in at around one hour and 50 minutes, complete with a 20-minute intermission for a quick stretch or snack, it's designed to keep the energy high without overwhelming young viewers. Tickets are affordably priced from $48 to $158, with priority sales kicking off on October 15 at 10am, followed by early-bird public access on October 22 at 10am – so mark your calendars!
Before it lands in our sunny shores, the show will premiere at the RSC's home in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in November, then head to Chichester in March 2026. Singapore stands out as its exclusive international destination outside the UK, highlighting just how far-reaching this production's appeal is.
Crafted by English playwright Tom Wells and directed by RSC co-artistic director Daniel Evans, The BFG spins the yarn of Sophie, a plucky young orphan abducted to the fantastical realm of Giant Country. There, she teams up with the BFG himself – a gentle giant who catches dreams like butterflies and munches on peculiar veggies called snozzcumbers (imagine a cross between a cucumber and a carrot, but way weirder and crunchier). Their mission? To thwart a gang of ravenous giants who snack on kids and prove that even the tiniest voice can ignite massive change. It's a story bursting with themes of bravery, friendship, and seeing beyond first impressions, perfect for sparking wonder in children while reminding adults of the power of kindness.
In a joint press statement, Evans and RSC co-artistic director Tamara Harvey expressed their delight: 'We're absolutely thrilled to partner with SRT and Esplanade to bring this electrifying stage adaptation to life for viewers in the UK and beyond.' SRT's artistic director Gaurav Kripalani chimed in with enthusiasm: 'Teaming up with the RSC, Chichester Festival Theatre, and Roald Dahl Story Company to co-produce Roald Dahl's The BFG is a massive victory for Singapore. This is a rare chance we might see only once in a lifetime, and I'm urging everyone to get behind it, grab tickets, and cheer as The BFG conquers hearts worldwide.'
Esplanade's chief executive Yvonne Tham added her perspective: 'Through this global partnership, we're staging a narrative that celebrates timeless lessons like judging people by their actions rather than looks and embracing the good in everyone. We envision this performance as a gateway to the wonders of live theatre for kids and grown-ups alike, igniting creativity in generations to come.'
And this is the part most people miss – while Dahl's stories are beloved for their whimsy, they've also stirred some debate. In recent years, his books have been updated by his estate to soften certain language deemed insensitive today, prompting questions about whether classics should remain untouched or adapt to modern sensitivities. What do you think – should we preserve original works as historical artifacts, or is it okay to tweak them for inclusivity? It's a topic that divides opinions, and I'd love to hear yours in the comments below. Do you agree with the changes, or do you prefer Dahl's unfiltered style?
For those eager to join the adventure, head to the Esplanade Theatre at 1 Esplanade Drive. Shows run from April 22 to May 2, 2026, with evening performances at 7pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and matinee shows at 2.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Grab your seats, ranging from $48 to $158, through Sistic (dial 6348-5555 or visit sistic.com.sg), SRT (check www.srt.com.sg/TheBFG), or Esplanade (at www.esplanade.com/TheBFG). Don't miss out on this giant leap into storytelling magic – who knows, it might just inspire you to dream bigger!
