John Lithgow as Roald Dahl Joined by Romola Garai, Tessa Bonham Jones in ‘Giant’ Play About Author’s Antisemitic Comments

The Royal Court Theatre has unveiled the full cast and creative team for “Giant,” a new play by Mark Rosenblatt exploring a pivotal moment in Roald Dahl‘s career, directed by Nicholas Hytner.

Tony and Golden Globe winner John Lithgow will take on the role of Roald Dahl, as previously announced, joined by Olivier Award winner Elliot Levey as Tom Maschler, Dahl’s British Jewish publisher. The ensemble cast includes Rachael Stirling as Dahl’s fiancée Felicity Crosland, Romola Garai as Jewish American publisher Jessie Stone, Tessa Bonham Jones as housekeeper Hallie and Richard Hope as handyman Wally Saunders.

Set in the summer of 1983, “Giant” focuses on the fallout from Dahl’s antisemitic comments in the press, as the author grapples with the decision to make a public apology or risk his reputation. The play unfolds over a single afternoon at Dahl’s family home.

The creative team features designer Bob Crowley, lighting designer Anna Watson and sound designer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite. Arthur Carrington handles casting duties.

Garai said: “‘Giant’ is an extraordinary piece of new writing and I couldn’t be more honored to be part of bringing this fascinating, knotty, complicated and unafraid piece to audiences for the first time.”

Bonham Jones added: “Mark’s play is provocative and brilliant. It’s a privilege to be performing it at the Royal Court, a bucket list theater of mine ever since coming to the U.K.”

“Giant” marks Lithgow’s Royal Court debut. Lithgow said: “I’m thrilled to be performing at The Royal Court where I’ve seen so much great work, stretching all the way back to the late 1960s. There’s no better place to unveil Mark Rosenblatt’s stunning new play.”

Levey added, ‘What an honor to be making my Royal Court debut playing a man so central to its history. Tom Maschler is in the marrow of the Royal Court. It was his second home. John Osbourne, Arnold Wesker, George Devine, Tony Richardson – all the gang in those early heady days – owed something of their careers to Tom. Rosenblatt’s new play couldn’t be more timely, brilliant and revelatory – it packs a punch. I’m thrilled to be coming along for the ride. Maschler and the old gang would be proud of this one.”

The production begins previews on Sept. 20 and runs through Nov. 16.