John Lithgow to continue as Roald Dahl in West End’s Giant after acclaimed Royal Court run

John Lithgow will continue his portrayal of Roald Dahl in the West End following a successful run at the Royal Court Theatre. The play Giant, directed by Nicholas Hytner and written by Mark Rosenblatt, will be staged at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London from 26^th April to 2^nd August 2025. The production examines a tumultuous afternoon in Dahl’s life as he faces the fallout from his public antisemitic remarks, with Elliot Levey reprising his role as Tom Maschler.

Giant presents a nuanced view of Dahl, portraying him not just as a beloved children’s author but also highlighting the controversies surrounding his character. The play is set in 1983 during the final edits of Dahl’s book The Witches, amidst growing outrage over his controversial statements in the press.

The Royal Court’s production has received critical acclaim and sold out its initial run before its premiere in September 2024. The transfer to the Harold Pinter Theatre allows a wider audience to see this new play, which explores themes of reputation, legacy, and the impact of public statements.

The production team includes notable figures in theatre, with Hytner directing and Bob Crowley in charge of design. The play also features lighting by Anna Watson and sound by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite. Casting details for the additional roles are yet to be announced.

In a statement, Lithgow expressed his enthusiasm about the play’s transfer to the West End: “For over 60 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.”

The play’s writer, Rosenblatt, shared his excitement about the play’s success and its move to a larger stage: “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.”

The West End production of Giant is produced by Brian and Dayna Lee, Stephanie Kramer and Nicole Kramer, Josh Fiedler and Robyn Goodman. This limited 14-week run offers a significant piece of theatre to a broader audience, exploring the challenging aspects of a world-renowned figure’s life and legacy.

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Photo: Manuel Harlan

Giant is at Harold Pinter Theatre from 26^th April until 2^nd August 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.