The Royal Shakespeare Company, Chichester Festival Theatre and the Roald Dahl Story Company have revealed additional casting for The BFG, a magical new stage adaptation by Tom Wells.
Making her RSC debut as The Queen is Helena Lymbery, whose extensive stage career includes roles in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Grace Pervades, and Ballet Shoes.
Joining her are Elsie Laslett, Ellemie Shivers and Martha Bailey Vine, who will share the role of Sophie. Sophie’s best friend Kimberley will be played by Maisy Lee, Charlotte Jones and Uma Patel.
They join John Leader, previously announced as The BFG. John’s recent credits include The Merry Wives of Windsor and The School for Scandal with the RSC, as well as War Horse, Peter Pan, and A Monster Calls.
Director Daniel Evans said:
“In Tom Wells’ magical new stage adaptation of The BFG, there is no greater power than the power of friendship. Whether you’re a little orphan like Sophie, a dream-catching, snozzcumber-munching giant like The BFG or the Queen of England, friendship can unlock something extraordinary in each of us, giving us the strength, imagination and courage to trust in our own power and change the world for the better.
Helena Lymbery’s wit, warmth and infectious sense of humour make her the perfect choice for our Queen, who finds her closeted life of privilege turned upside down with the arrival of Sophie and The BFG.
Joining Helena are six, incredibly talented young actors who, together, will originate the roles of Sophie and her friend Kimberley.
After just two days of initial workshops, Elsie, Ellemie and Martha (our trio of Sophies), along with Charlotte, Maisy and Uma (our Kimberleys) are already proving to be powerful in the room! To welcome such a diverse range of age and experience to bring The BFG to life is an absolute thrill for me as a Director and I can’t wait for rehearsals to get underway later this month.”
Helena Lymbery’s screen credits include Doctor Foster, Father Brown, London Road, and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.
The BFG opens at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from 25 November 2025 to 31 January 2026, with a press night on 9 December. It will then transfer to Chichester Festival Theatre from 9 March to 11 April 2026.
The creative team includes Puppetry Designer and Director Toby Olié, Set Designer Vicki Mortimer, Costume Designer Kinnetia Isidore, Lighting Designer Zoe Spurr, and many more.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
