Continuing their work with Roald Dahl’s children’s literary masterpieces, Shake & Stir Theatre Co are hosting their world premiere season of the James and the Giant Peach stage adaptation in late-March 2023. Reinventing the classic story for stage, and building upon their experience adapting other works including The Twits, Fantastic Mr Fox and George’s Marvellous Medicine, the season will be hosted in the Queensland Performing Arts Centre Playhouse theatre from 30 March 2024 until 7 April 2024 inclusive. This will be followed by a national tour.
James and the Giant Peach was first written in 1961 by Dahl, and while it never reached that same level of attention as works like Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, has enjoyed some attention over the years, including the 1996 musical fantasy animated film directed by Henry Selick. It follows the story of James Henry Trotter, a lonely seven-year-old boy who, after losing his parents in a rhinoceros accident, is forced to live with his wicked aunts. But things take a turn, when he discovers that the best of friendships arise from the most unexpected encounters, and that a little courage can undoubtedly take you a long way.
Adapted to the stage by Shake & Stir Theatre Company co-Artistic Director Nelle Lee, and directed by fellow co-Artistic Director Ross Balbuziente, this is the latest in a long-run of creative theatrical productions formulated by the Brisbane-based creative team. Commenting on their fifth Roald Dahl adaptation, Balbuziente shared the following musings:
I could not be more excited – it is one of Dahl’s most delightful books and the story has the trademark wit and naughty deliciousness readers have come to expect from Dahl.
It’s a wild adventure of epic proportions, but at its core, it’s a story of resilience and the importance of being nice to one another and when friends work together, anything can be accomplished.
It’s a passion for us at Shake & Stir Theatre Co to use Dahl’s stories as inspiration for reimagined theatre works for audiences of every age to enjoy, we encourage everyone to embrace the power of imagination.
Tickets for the world premiere season of James and the Giant Peach are now available to purchase via the QPAC website, or by phoning their box office during business hours on 136 246.
