Prepare to be whisked away on a fantastical adventure! A brand-new, spectacular stage production of Roald Dahl's beloved classic, The BFG (Big Friendly Giant), is coming to Singapore's Esplanade Theatre in April 2026. Get ready to rediscover the magic of this heartwarming tale in a way you've never seen before!
Mark your calendars: This theatrical adaptation of Roald Dahl's 1982 children's novel will grace the Esplanade Theatre stage from April 22nd, 2026, offering a total of 12 enchanting performances.
While previous adaptations of The BFG have delighted audiences elsewhere—most notably a 1991 production in London's West End and the United States—this marks the very first time this particular stage production will be performed in Singapore. This makes it an especially exciting event for local theatre-goers!
This fresh and innovative version is a collaborative effort between some of the most prestigious names in theatre. The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), Chichester Festival Theatre, Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC), Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT), and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay have joined forces to bring this spectacular show to life.
So, how long will this magical journey last? The performance runs for approximately one hour and 50 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission – perfect for stretching your legs and discussing your favorite snozzcumber flavors! Priority ticket sales kick off on October 15th at 10:00 AM, with prices ranging from $48 to $158. Early-bird public sales begin on October 22nd at 10:00 AM, so be sure to grab your tickets early to secure the best seats.
But here's where it gets interesting... Singapore is the only location outside of Britain where this production will be staged! Before arriving in Singapore, the show will premiere at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in November, followed by a run at Chichester in March 2026. This makes Singapore a truly special destination for this international theatrical event.
The stage adaptation is penned by the talented English playwright Tom Wells and directed by Daniel Evans, co-artistic director of the RSC, promising a captivating and imaginative experience.
For those unfamiliar with the story, The BFG tells the tale of Sophie, a courageous young orphan who finds herself whisked away to Giant Country. There, she befriends the Big Friendly Giant, a gentle soul who catches dreams and has a rather peculiar taste for snozzcumbers. Together, Sophie and the BFG embark on a daring adventure to stop the other, much less friendly, child-eating giants and prove that even the smallest person (or giant!) can make a huge difference in the world.
In a joint press statement, Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, co-artistic directors of the RSC, expressed their enthusiasm, stating: "We are thrilled to be working with SRT and Esplanade to share this exhilarating stage adaptation with audiences here in the United Kingdom and across the globe." Their excitement underscores the collaborative spirit and international appeal of this production.
SRT's artistic director, Gaurav Kripalani, echoed this sentiment, adding: "Co-producing Roald Dahl’s The BFG with the RSC, Chichester Festival Theatre, and Roald Dahl Story Company is a huge coup for Singapore. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and I hope everyone rallies behind the show, buys a ticket, and helps us fly the flag proudly as The BFG goes on to capture hearts around the world." Kripalani's statement highlights the significance of this collaboration for Singapore's theatre scene.
Esplanade’s chief executive, Yvonne Tham, emphasized the story's universal themes: "This international collaboration allows us to bring to stage a story that speaks to the universal values of looking beyond appearances and recognizing the goodness in one another. We hope that this production will also be an entry point into the magic of theatre for the young and the young at heart and spark the imagination of future generations." Tham's words perfectly capture the essence of The BFG's enduring appeal and its potential to inspire audiences of all ages.
Performance Details:
* Where: Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Drive
* When: April 22 to May 2, 2026. Showtimes are 7:00 PM (Tuesdays to Saturdays) and 2:30 PM (Saturdays and Sundays).
* Admission: Tickets range from $48 to $158 and can be purchased through Sistic (call 6348-5555 or visit sistic.com.sg), SRT (www.srt.com.sg/TheBFG), and Esplanade (www.esplanade.com/TheBFG).
Now, here's a question for you: Do you think stage adaptations can truly capture the magic of a beloved book like The BFG? Some argue that the visual spectacle and live performances enhance the story, while others believe that the original text holds a unique charm that's hard to replicate. What are your thoughts? Share your opinions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your perspective, whether you're a lifelong Roald Dahl fan or new to the world of The BFG.
