Acclaimed new drama Giant is to transfer to the West End, starring John Lithgow. *
Mark Rosenblatt’s new play, which premiered at the Royal Court Theatre earlier this year, will run at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 26 April to 2 August 2025.
John Lithgow (3rd Rock From the Sun) stars as Roald Dahl in drama, and will be joined by Elliot Levey (Cold War, Patriots, Good) as Tom Maschler, Dahl’s British Jewish Publisher.
Further casting is to be announced.
The Royal Court production, which ran from 20 September to 16 November 2024, also starred Rachael Stirling (The Divine Mrs S) as Felicity Crosland, Roald Dahl’s fiancée; Romola Garai (Scoop) as Jessie Stone, Dahl’s Jewish American publisher; Tessa Bonham Jones (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) as Hallie, the Dahl family’s housekeeper; and Richard Hope (Hijack) as Wally Saunders, Dahl’s handyman.
The play scored tremendous reviews from the critics for its Royal Court run, and news of a West End transfer has been much anticipated.
Giant will be produced in the West End by Brian and Dayna Lee, Stephanie Kramer and Nicole Kramer, Josh Fiedler, and Robyn Goodman.
Written by Mark Rosenblatt, Giant is directed by Nicholas Hytner. The creative team also includes design by Bob Crowley, lighting design by Anna Watson, and sound design by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite.
Set in the summer of 1983, The Witches is about to hit the shelves and Roald Dahl is making last-minute edits. But the outcry at his recent, explicitly antisemitic article won’t die down.
Across a single afternoon at his family home, and rocked by an unexpectedly explosive confrontation, Dahl is forced to choose: make a public apology or risk his name and reputation.
Inspired by true events, Mark Rosenblatt’s drama Giant delves into the thin line between thoughtful discourse and harmful rhetoric. Blending dark humour with sharp insight, the play paints a complex portrait of Dahl, a dangerously charismatic figure, examining the consequences of inflammatory public statements and the impact of antisemitic remarks in the media.
Giant is playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 26 April to 2 August 2025.
What They Said
Mark Rosenblatt says: “Premiering GIANT, my first play, at the legendary Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Downstairs has been a wonderful, dizzying and life-changing experience. Had its journey ended there, it would have been plenty. But to have Nick Hytner’s superlative production now transfer to the West End to be experienced by a wider audience is far beyond my every expectation.”
John Lithgow says: “For over sixty years, the Royal Court Theatre has been the cradle of great new playwriting. Along with writer Mark Rosenblatt and director Nick Hytner, they have launched another remarkable new play. I am happy and proud to be a part of its first trip out into a wider world.”
Brian and Dayna Lee say: “Since first reading Mark’s debut play, we have been anticipating audiences experiencing his extraordinary work. After sold-out houses and a thrilling debut at the Royal Court, we are ecstatic to bring GIANT to the West End with the astonishing John Lithgow as Roald Dahl. Along with our partners Stephanie Kramer & Nicole Kramer and Josh Fielder & Robyn Goodman, we are looking forward to audiences having the opportunity to experience this bold, brave and pivotal piece of theatre that stays with you long after the curtain comes down.”
David Byrne, Artistic Director of The Royal Court says: “Mark Rosenblatt’s GIANT is an astounding debut play brought brilliantly to life in Nicholas Hynter’s thrilling production. I am incredibly proud to have had GIANT as part of my first season at the Royal Court, with both Mark and Nick making their Royal Court debuts. With the exception of our famous Monday night rush seats, GIANT sold every available ticket for its premiere run at the Royal Court before its first preview. I am therefore delighted that it is transferring to the West End, led by the incomparable John Lithgow, so that more audiences can get the pleasure of experiencing this gripping new play.”
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* Article originally published via LTD
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