The BFG – Theatre Porto

Disley Theatrical Productions are back with their second production, the fantastic BFG. Originally written by Roald Dahl and adapted for the stage, DTP have done an incredible job at bringing this wonderful story to life at Theatre Porto in Ellesmere Port.

Directed by Phil Cross, you can see from the off how much work has gone in to bringing this classic to life, but not in any ordinary way. This version invites the audience to dive into this new world with the use of inventive lighting, shadows, puppetry, and a wonderful imagination. You feel like you’ve been completely transported into a whole other universe which is run by Giants, easily losing yourself in that world with the incredible storytelling of this company.

It’s Sophie’s birthday and she receives The BFG book as her birthday present, so with the help of her family and friends, she asks if they can act out the scenes of the book and this is where the magic starts.

Eleanor Moulson is wonderful as Sophie, both versions of Sophie that we meet throughout the play, not only helping move the piece along by stepping out of the action to narrate at times, but showing a huge array of emotions that draw you in. The BFG is brought to life by the enigmatic Seb Farrell, who completely loses himself in the role and has you believing he is, in fact, the BFG. With a fantastic accent and the natural way the BFG words are made to sound like everyday language, you can’t help but fall in love with the character.

There are six other actors who make up the rest of the cast, (Amy Jones, Dan Shenton, Josh Wood, Hannah Simpson, Keane Harrison, and Isobel Lewis) playing Giants, Queens, butlers, pilots to name but a few, they all work incredibly hard to keep the magic alive and the whole piece running super smooth.

The magic of the piece just keeps giving all through, but a couple of standout parts are when the BFG goes to catch dreams, and an incredible reveal in Act two that is stunning and completely wows the audience.

This play is being performed during half term but is not just aimed at children but adults alike, after all, you should never forget the child within, and this absolutely brought out that child inside of me.

Full of brilliant humour, plenty of ‘whizzpopping’ (if you know you know) and a feeling of utter joy and love, I left the theatre with a huge smile on my face and the knowledge to stay away from the Snozzcumber (yuk!)

A massive well done to all at DTP on the huge success that is the BFG. If you can get there, I urge you to book now and get along before the run sells out and you miss this wonderful show.

Running until Saturday 24^th February 2024 with two shows every day. Tickets available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/disleytheatricalproductions

Reviewer Damian Riverol

Reviewed: 21^st February 2024

North West End UK Rating: