Theatre

It’s Roald Dahl Day! Time to celebrate the great shows he’s inspired

Britain’s favourite children’s author was born on this day (13 September) in 1916 – that makes 100 years of Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl’s books have sold over 250 million copies and, to this day, he remains one of this country’s most treasured novelists. But he didn’t just write all your favourite children’s books; he was also a screenwriter and fighter pilot, and his first piece of writing was actually based on his experiences in World War Two.

At aged 26, Dahl was posted to Washington D.C. for the British Embassy, which was where his writing story began. After his first piece was published, he went on to pen some of the most beloved children’s stories of all time, including novels such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda and The BFG, and screenplays for films such as the classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

And today, the legacy of Roald Dahl lives on in theatres across the UK (and the world) with productions based on countless examples of his work. Here we round up five of the best for you (all currently showing) and invite you into a world of pure imagination:

  1. Matilda the Musical

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The 1988 story of a magical little girl has gone on to not only be a Hollywood flick but also a West End smash hit musical. It’s currently playing at the Cambridge Theatre, and if you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, we’ve summed it up for you right here.

  1. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

Despite the many adaptations of the story of Charlie Bucket, his golden ticket and his life-changing journey through the magical and strangely mysterious chocolate factory, it’s the live musical version that remains our favourite. There’s an actual flying elevator! Erm, check out all the particulars right here.

  1. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

It claims to be the most fantasmagorical musical entertainment in the history of everything – and it’s not wrong! Based on Roald Dahl’s brilliant written screenplay of the 1968 movie, this stunning production is currently flying up and down the country (quite literally!). Catch it before the evil Childcatcher catches you. All the details are right this way!

  1. Dinner at the Twits

Not for nosey little children this one, instead it’s a fully immersive dining experience for grown-ups as Dahl’s gruesome twosome invite you into their home for canapes, hors d’oeuvres and a banquet beyond your wildest imagination. Guests can expect pure entertainment from the best worst hosts ever – find out what else is on offer right here.

  1. Fantastic Mr. Fox

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There’s a new show in town – Roald Dahl’s brilliant story of the cunning, charming and fabulously fantastic Mr Fox is heading to Edinburgh in 2017. Details of this flagship production for Dahl’s centeary celebrations are right here.

So go on, treat yourself and enter the realms of the magical world of Roald Dahl.