The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) is a theatrical production of the popular children's book written by Roald Dahl. It tells the story of Sophie, an orphan who is taken away to the Land of the Giants by the BFG after she spots him peering into her bedroom window. They become friends, and Sophie starts to help the BFG in his job of collecting dreams and delivering them to children around the world.

She learns that there are other giants in this mysterious realm who aren't so friendly, and travel every night to snatch children from their beds and gobble them up. To her horror she hears that her home country of England has been targeted and that the giants are to return there to hunt more human prey. Sophie decides that they need to put a stop to this and thus begins a plan involving the Queen of England and the British Air Force.

The production uses a variety of clever techniques to tell Sophie's tale. A series of differently-shaped boxes are moved around the stage to form houses and landscapes. A screen provides animated backdrops for the action – from dream hunting and Buckingham Palace, to the BFG's lair and the capture of the giants. Sound effects and music add an extra level to exciting or scary scenes. Sound is also used effectively to provide humour when the BFG farts, which he does regularly, and during a series of humourous dream-sequences.

Rebecca Rose is a bundle of pig-tails and wide-eyed innocence as Sophie. Resilient and brave, the character takes everything in her stride and the actress communicates this clearly throughout. Gemma Clarke plays the BFG as a simple and warm character, and revels in the flowery language of the source material. It is a brave decision to cast a female in the role - and one which does not fully pay off as the high tone of voice seems incongruous coming from the mouth of such a monster. Claire Wright plays several roles but really shines as the Queen of England, who she turns into a snotty but loveable child eager to help her subjects in any way she can.

The real stars of the play are the assorted evil giants with names such as Bloodbottler and Fleshlumpeater - created with huge colourful papier-mache heads. They stomp around stage and into the audience, growling, shouting and threatening to eat children. These giants add a suitably dark tone as they describe what different nationalities taste of – Swedish children taste of Swede and Sour; children from Wellington, New Zealand taste of boots.

Karen Dainty's direction is pacey and weaves together the story in a cohesive and easily-understood way. The complex nature of the staging could have resulted in an unsatisfactory hotch-potch of scenes and mediums but this never threatens to be the case - the cast and crew deliver a delightful and deliciously Gothic fairytale.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Sarah Paige Brown – Student. Gemma Clarke – The BFG. Elizabeth Clarvis – Student. Kerry Ewer – Bloodbottler / Mary / Miss Plumbridge. Samantha Fryer – Gizzardgulper. Rachel Moran – Fleshlumpeater / Queen of Sweden / Rebecca. Rebecca Rose – Sophie. Freddie Saddington – Head of Air Force / Meatdripper / Dad. Amy Targosz – Mr Tibbs / Sam / Childchewer. Chris Warren – Head of Army. Claire Wright – Headmaster / Queen of England / Bonecruncher.

Company Credits: Writer - Roald Dahl (1916-1990). Director – Karen Dainty. Production Manager – Daniel Wakefield. Projection – Chris Warren. Stage Manager – Steph Milner. Lighting – Maria Williams. Sound – Hannah Whittingham. Animation – Daniel Wakefield. Costume – Maria Williams. Original Music – Chris Warren. Artistic Assistant – Claire Johnson. Producer - uncredited. Company – BG Touring Theatre Company. Website - www.bishopg.ac.uk.

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(c) David Hepburn 2009

reviewed Tuesday 11 August 09 /Augustine's, Edinburgh UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com