GIANT starring John Lithgow as Roald Dahl transfers to West End
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
A 14-week limited West End run has been announced for the Royal Court Theatre’s production of Mark Rosenblatt’s GIANT, playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 26 April - 2 August 2025.
Directed by Nicholas Hytner and designed by Bob Crowley, the sold-out hit will star Tony and Golden Globe-winner John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Crown) who reprises his extraordinary performance as Roald Dahl, with Olivier Award-winner Elliot Levey (Cold War, Patriots, Good) returning as Tom Maschler. Further casting to be announced.
“I wanted to put you bang in the picture. Appraise you of the difficulties. Because, in case you hadn’t noticed, he’s a human f**king boobytrap. And now, guess what, surprise surprise, boom!”
A world-famous children’s author under threat. A battle of wills in the wake of scandal. And one chance to make amends...
It’s 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 real events, GIANT explores - with dark humour - the difference between considered opinion and dangerous rhetoric offering a complicated portrait of a fiendishly charismatic icon.
The production features lighting by Anna Watson, sound by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, and casting by Arthur Carrington.
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.”