Giant

John Lithgow is mesmerising as Roald Dahl in this summer smash. Now in a West End transfer, this pithy drama which delves into the anti-Semitism storm that engulfed Dahl in 1983 is the play to see
The Telegraph
Why see Giant?
The Dark Heart Of Roald Dahl
Winner of 3 2025 Olivier Awards, including Best New Play and Best Actor for John Lithgow!
Two-time Tony Award winner John Lithgow reprises his 2025 Olivier-winning role as Roald Dahl on the West End stage in this vital portrait of the author and his widely publicized antisemitic views, directed by Nicholas Hytner.
Described by playwright Mark Rosenblatt as an "uncomfortably funny, urgent and provocative night in the theatre", the drama takes place at the height of Dahl's best-selling career, concerning the fallout from a book review, in which his dangerous opinions first became public. An apt subject for our current times, Giant is an unmissable critique of the beloved children's author and the contrast of rhetoric and opinion.
The art vs the artist
One of the bestselling creators of children's literature of the 20th century and with a legacy that continues to this day, Roald Dahl has long been considered a national treasure. But the man behind the books was deeply flawed. It's a familiar premise for today's audiences as social media offers creators an outlet for their own outspoken views. Should we strive to divorce the art from the artist, ask for an apology, or forgive them their distorted opinions?
Key Information
Audience
Dates
Cast
- John Lithgow as Roald Dahl
- Elliot Levy as Tom Maschler
- Rachael Stirling as Felicity Crosland
- Richard Hope as Wally Saunders
- Aya Cash as Jessie Stone
- Tessa Bonham Jones as Hallie
Please note: The producers can't guarantee the appearance of any performers on any specific date.
Creative
- Written by Mark Rosenblatt
- Directed by Nicholas Hytner
- Lighting design by Anna Watson
- Sound design by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite
- Casting by Arthur Carrington
Awards
2025 Olivier Awards
- Best New Play
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Elliot Levey
- Best Actor - John Lithgow
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Romola Garai
- Best Director - Nicholas Hytner
Reviews
Our review
Essential staggering intense
Your fave is problematic and always has been. Mark Rosenblatt's Giant, which is now showing in the West End following its Olivier-winning run at the Royal Court, is not just flavour of the month, it's essential viewing. Exploring the depths of Roald...
Kitty
Read full reviewCustomer reviews
Jonathan
Quite simply the best play I have seen


