Actor to play BFG in Royal Shakespeare Company play announced

An actor says he is “absolutely thrilled” to be chosen to play the BFG with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

John Leader, who grew up in Birmingham, is set to step into the oversized shoes of the Big Friendly Giant in the stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children’s novel at the RSC theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

“It’s really exciting, and a bit surreal, to help bring him to life on stage,” said the 33-year-old, who has appeared in Netflix’s The Sandman. “He is such an iconic character who means so much to so many people.

“And having grown up in Birmingham and trained at Stratford College, coming back to the RSC for a role like this honestly feels very special – a real full-circle moment.”

Leader last appeared with the RSC in productions of The Merry Wives of Windsor and The School for Scandal, both in 2024.

His theatre credits also include Wuthering Heights, Peter Pan and War Horse at the National Theatre in London.

Director Daniel Evans said finding the actor to play the hero had been a “giant undertaking” in many ways.

He said: “We knew that this crucial bit of casting was an essential piece of the puzzle.

“John Leader brings immense warmth, generosity and humility to the role – all essential qualities for our BFG.

“He also has a gleaming and vivid imagination. John will be working alongside a highly skilled team of puppeteers as part of a cast of 18 to bring Tom Wells’ magical new script to the stage, and we look forward to sharing more exciting casting news within the coming weeks.”

The BFG will be performed at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from 25 November to 31 January.