Full cast announced for John Lithgow-led 'Giant' at Royal Court
Rachael Stirling, Romola Garai, Tessa Bonham Jones, and Richard Hope will join John Lithgow and Elliot Levey in Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play.
The full cast and creative team has been set for Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play Giant at the Royal Court in London. The play explores the antisemitism that has surrounded writer Roald Dahl's legacy.
Rachael Stirling (The Divine Mrs S) will star as Roald Dahl’s fiancée Felicity Crosland, with Romola Garai (Scoop, Atonement) as Dahl’s Jewish American publisher Jessie Stone, Tessa Bonham Jones (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) as the Dahl family’s housekeeper Hallie, and Richard Hope (Hijack) as Dahl’s handyman Wally Saunders.
They join Tony and Golden Globe winner John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Crown) who will play Roald Dahl and Olivier Award winner Elliot Levey (Cold War, Patriots, Good) as Tom Maschler, Dahl’s British Jewish publisher.
Romola Garai said: "Giant is an extraordinary piece of new writing and I couldn’t be more honoured to be part of bringing this fascinating, knotty, complicated, and unafraid piece to audiences for the first time."
Rachael Stirling said: "I am beyond thrilled to be a part of the first staging of this extraordinary and incendiary new play."
Tessa Bonham Jones said: "I’m beyond excited to be working with Nick again and with these wonderful actors whom I've admired for so long. Mark's play is provocative and brilliant. It's a privilege to be performing it at the Royal Court, a bucket list theatre of mine ever since coming to the UK."
Richard Hope added: "Delighted to be back at the Royal Court theatre with a capital T!"
Directed by Nicholas Hytner and inspired by real events, Giant is set in 1983 when a public outburst of antisemitism in an article led to public outcry against Dahl before publication of his book The Witches.
Giant is designed by Olivier Award-winning theatre designer Bob Crowley, with lighting design by Anna Watson, and sound design by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite.
Giant will begin previews from 20 September, running until 16 November.
Book Giant tickets on London Theatre
Photo credit: Rachael Stirling, Tessa Bonham Jones, Romola Garai, and Richard Hope. (Photos courtesy of production)
Frequently asked questions
What is Giant about?
Head to the Royal Court to see the world premiere of Giant, a play exploring the scandal surrounding children’s author Roald Dahl’s antisemitism. The show stars Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe-winner John Lithgow (Sweet Smell of Success, The Crown, Killers of the Flower Moon) and Olivier Award-winner Elliot Levey (Cabaret).
Where is Giant playing?
Giant is playing at Royal Court. The theatre is located at Sloane Square, London, SW1W 8AS.
How long is Giant?
The running time of Giant is 2hr 20min. Incl. 1 interval.
How do you book tickets for Giant?
Book tickets for Giant on London Theatre.
What's the age requirement for Giant?
The recommended age for Giant is Ages 14+..
Who wrote Giant?
Mark Rosenblatt (Ganef) wrote the play.
Who directed Giant?
Tony and Olivier winning director Nicholas Hytner stages the show.
Is Giant appropriate for kids?
Giant is best for children ages 14 and above as it deals with some themes related to antisemitism.
Is Giant good?
Giant is the highly anticipated debut play from writer and director Mark Rosenblatt. The exciting new play includes a star-studded cast and creative team. As actress Romola Garai said, "Giant is an extraordinary piece of new writing, and I couldn't be more honoured to be part of bringing this fascinating, knotty, complicated, and unafraid piece to audiences for the first time."
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