The BFG review – RSC’s big friendly mishmash lacks Matilda’s confidence
6 / 10
The performers are impeccable under the direction of RSC co-head Daniel Evans. Yet with the BFG and baddie giant Bloodbottler divided between an actor, a puppet and four on-stage puppeteers, coherent characterisation can be lost; Paddington: The Musical more seamlessly combines acting, animatronics and voices projected from backstage. Showing the complexities of theatrical funding now, The BFG is a co-production with Chichester Festival and Singapore Repertory theatres. Audiences will have enough fun but, while intermittently showing the RSC’s artistic power, this sadly doesn’t feel like the giant hit its finances need.
