James and the Giant Peach

Adapted for the stage by David Wood.

From the book by Roald Dahl.

A joint commission by the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff and the Birmingham Stage Company, for the 2001/2 Christmas season. The Birmingham production opened at the Old Rep., and then toured the UK. The US premiere was presented by the San Diego Junior Theatre in 2003.

The story of Roald Dahl’s classic tale is faithfully told by James himself and the insect characters – Miss Spider, Old-Green-Grasshopper, Centipede, Ladybird and Earthworm. The play begins at the end of the story, when James and his friends are living in the giant peach stone in Central Park, New York. A tour guide brings a party of tourists (the audience) to see this major attraction, and James and his friends tell the story of how they came to live in New York. The insects play the other roles, like James’s cruel Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, and the epic journey across the Atlantic is acted out with live action, puppetry and storytelling.

There are six main characters, who can double. However, both original productions used one or two acting ASMs, and some local children. It would be possible to use a larger cast, though this would reduce the storytelling aspect and the fun of seeing the insects playing other parts.

“… a great introduction for first-timers to the work of the masterful Dahl … a theatrical treat for children and adults alike.“ Belfast Newsletter

“The David Wood adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale is a must … the story’s transition onto the stage is stunning … a wonderful piece of imaginative theatre for youngsters and the young at heart.” Northampton Herald and Post

“The content is timeless and, thanks to the adaptive genius of David Wood, is now enabling a new generation of children, of all ages, the chance to marvel at the brilliance of the master storyteller via the magic of the theatre.” Encore Magazine

“… some wonderful sequences, including the giant peach squashing the nasty aunts, floating in the water and being attacked by sharks and pulled out of the water by thousands of seagulls … it was a delight to see James and his new friends end up in New York where they made their home… a fantastic show.” The West Briton

“… an excellent adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic by David Wood … an excellent introduction to live theatre.” The Stage

James And The Giant Peach The play is published by Samuel French Ltd.
First Class Professional & Foreign Rights : Casarotto Ramsay Ltd.
UK Repertory Rights : Casarotto Ramsay Ltd.
UK Amateur Rights : Samuel French Ltd.
US Stock and Amateur Rights: Samuel French Inc.
At present there is no music score available.