Royal Shakespeare Company’s stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved tale The BFG is set to bring Sophie and her Big Friendly Giant to life with stunning visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable performances.
Still humming Do You Hear the People Sing? or replaying nonstop Hamilton soundtracks? Missing that goosebumps-inducing moment when the lights dim, the curtain rises, and suddenly, a story you’ve only read or streamed unfolds right before your eyes? It’s a feeling every theater lover knows too well: the pure magic of seeing imagination take shape on stage. There’s just something about live theater that makes you feel like you’re living the dream. The actors transforming into the characters we adore (or love to hate), the sets that transport us to another world, and the emotions that linger long after the final bow.
Now, if you’ve been craving that spark again—the one that makes your creative brain light up and your heart swell with nostalgia—then here’s some good news: another stage play is coming to Singapore in April 2026. And this time, it’s all about childhood wonder, dreams, and the interesting friendship between a brave little girl and her 24-foot-tall Big Friendly Giant.
Here’ What We Know So Far About the Theatrical Adaptation of Roald Dahl’s ‘The BFG’
Uh-huh, something big is literally heading to Singapore next year. The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is bringing a brand-new stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The BFG to the Esplanade Theatre from April 22, 2026, for 12 performances only. The production is a collaboration between the Chichester Festival Theatre, the Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC), Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT), and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
This marks the first time that the show will be performed in Singapore as a full-scale theater production. The last major stage version dates back to 1991, when The BFG was staged in London’s West End and in the United States—but never made it here. So yes, this one’s a milestone.
Can’t quite remember the story? Here’s a quick refresher. The BFG follows Sophie, a curious orphan who’s whisked away to Giant Country. There, she meets the Big Friendly Giant, a gentle soul among the not-so-friendly, child-eating giants. Together, the unlikely duo sets out on a mission to stop the others and prove that even the smallest person can change the world in big ways.
If the story sounds familiar, you might recall the 2016 film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, and Rebecca Hall. Now, that cinematic magic is transforming into live theater, with John Leader stepping into the role of the BFG, Helena Lymbery as the Queen, and Richard Riddell as Bloodbottler.
According to SRT Artistic Director Gaurav Kripalani, bringing The BFG to Singapore is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity”—and for good reason. Singapore will be the first country in the world to present this original production, making it a truly special event for local theatergoers.
Tickets are already on sale, with super early-bird priority access starting October 15, and public sales opening October 22 at 10 AM. You can grab tickets via Esplanade or SRT’s official websites. Friendly tip: If you’re not an Esplanade member yet, make sure to sign up to unlock early access.
A Little Magic, A Lot of Heart This 2026
Whether you’re a certified theater kid, looking for a fresh date idea, or simply craving a dose of nostalgia and imagination, The BFG might just be the perfect escape from the everyday grind. It’s a reminder that stories, especially those we grew up with, still hold power to move, inspire, and spark creativity long after we’ve “grown up.”
Because sometimes, as the BFG himself says, “Dreams is full of mystery and magic… and we don’t need to understand them. We just need to believe.”
Cover image credit: Roald Dahl
