James and the Giant Peach (Wood)

James and the Giant Peach (Wood), The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon. Running from 1-10 December 2023. A Bear Pit Theatre Company Production. Adapted for the stage by David Wood from the book by Roald Dahl. Directed by Emily Myerscough.

Preview.

James lives with his mean Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, they make his life miserable. Until – one day, he meets a mystical man who gives him the most magical beans. James’ world soon becomes very peculiar as he finds himself in a giant peach having wonderful adventures with an amazing group of giant insects.

This Roald Dahl classic is packed full of humour and ridiculousness for all ages. Prepare to be taken on a journey of crazy characters, creative costumes and colourful storytelling.

Zoe Mortimer: Ladybird; Richard Sandle-Keynes: Old Green Grasshopper; Emma Beasley: Miss Spider; Steve Bizley: Earthworm; Tom Purchase-Rathbone: Centipede. Photo courtesy of The Bear Pit.

Returning to the Bear Pit following the sell-out success of The Twits in 2022 and repeated performances earlier this year, Emily, show Director, gives an insight to what she has in store: “Peach promises to be a spectacular feast for your senses. Expect organised chaos, revolting aunts, fantastical costumes and a collaboration of wonderful local talent. And… a gigantic peach!"

Emily added, “The cast and crew of James and the Giant Peach are working hard to get all final preparations ready for opening night! We want it to be just peachy for our audiences. Expect a mix of insects, sea creatures and one large octopus to keep you on the edge of your seats. There will be a Sponge a Spiker, singing and silliness. Participation from the audience will be encouraged.”

Playing James, L-R: Jasper Hadley, Hal Sandle-Keynes. Photo courtesy of The Bear Pit.

Cast

James – Hal Sandle-Keynes James – Jasper Hadley Old Green Grasshopper – Richard Sandle-Keynes Earthworm – Steve Bizley Ladybird – Zoe Mortimer Centipede – Tom Purchase-Rathbone Miss Spider – Emma Beasley Aunt Spiker – Dee Alder Aunt Sponge – Pamela Hickson Old Man / Ensemble – Barry Purchase-Rathbone Children Ensemble – Sophie Sparks Children Ensemble – Hattie Jamieson Children Ensemble – Paige Hopper Children Ensemble – Madison Griffiths

Production Team

Director – Emily Myerscough Producer – Richard Ball Stage Manager – Ann Loscombe Assistant Stage Manager – Martin Tottle Production Co-ordinator – Ginny Oliver Lighting & Sound Design – Richard Ball Set Designers – Ginny Oliver & Martin Tottle Set Builder – Martin Tottle Make-up – Olivia-Jane Powell Props – Tracy Humphreys Costume – Elizabeth Foster Chaperones – Jackie Williams, Linda Butler (Latimer) Chaperones (Cover) – Ginny Oliver

This amateur production of ‘James and the Giant Peach (Wood)’ is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

For details and to book tickets, please go to: https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/james-the-giant-peach/