Giant by Mark Rosenblatt

Synopsis

“I wanted to put you bang in the picture. Apprise you of the difficulties. Because, in case you hadn’t noticed, he’s a human fucking 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, Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play explores with dark humour the difference between considered opinion and dangerous rhetoric.

Directed by Nicholas Hytner (Straight Line Crazy, La Belle Sauvage). Tony and Golden Globe-winner John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Crown) will reprise his extraordinary performance as Roald Dahl with Olivier Award-winner Elliot Levey (Cold War, Patriots, Good) returning as Tom Maschler, Rachael Stirling (The Divine Mrs S) as Felicity Crosland and Richard Hope (Hijack) as Wally Saunders. Further casting to be announced.

Giant is generously supported by a lead gift from Charles Holloway OBE.

Filmed especially for our Living Archive, watch a post-show Q&A with Giant writer Mark Rosenblatt. Watch our full post-show Q&A series, featuring over 30 discussions, here.

Giant by Mark Rosenblatt, October 2024