REVIEW: Giant, Harold Pinter Theatre
Play about Roald Dahl has standout performances but is uncomfortable to watch
One day my daughter asked me: “Why did we never read books written by Roald Dahl?”
I suggested she might like to google ‘Roald Dahl’ and ‘antisemitism’ to find the answer.
Giant is the award-winning play about this very subject. Transferring, after a sell- out run, from the Royal Court Theatre to the West End’s Harold Pinter, this powerful play, written by Mark Rosenblatt, and directed by former National Theatre director Nicholas Hytner (who are both Jewish) stars John Lithgow as Roald Dahl.
Set in the 1980s, and as conflict again rages in the Middle East, as relevant today as it was then, the play at times makes uncomfortable viewing because it is based on the true fact, not fiction, that Roald Dahl was violently antisemitic.
The action takes place in Dahl’s house and is an imagined meeting between Dahl (John Lithgow) and his Jewish London publicist Tom Maschler, played by Elliott Levey, and his US counterpart, Jessica Stone, played by Aya Cash, who provides the balance to Dahl’s assertions. Rachel Stirling plays Dahl’s fiancée Felicity Crosland.
A truly accomplished cast brings the story to life with utterly convincing acting and stand-out performances from Lithgow and Ca. Giant is playwright Mark Rosenblatt’s first play and has won three Olivier Awards, including one for best new play, and the performance has garnered five star reviews. It is an electrifying piece of theatre.
The notion that the Jews as a race are collectively responsible for every action of the State of Israel lies at the crux of the conversation on stage. When Dahl made this assertion, it was in the wake of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon. This thought-provoking play acts as a spotlight, highlighting many of the dialogues taking place today, post-October 7.
For some the antisemitic rhetoric voiced in the play makes uncomfortable listening, but it shines a light on a true story.
The play has the true, verbatim, shocking conversation that takes place between Dahl and New Statesman journalist Nick Coren, when the author expounds his vile views on not only the conflict but also the Jewish people.
One leaves the theatre wondering how it can be that this man, who voiced such loathing and prejudice, still remains a revered, much-loved author, feted and respected by so many. If there is anything that can be said in Dahl’s favour, at least he did openly admit to his views, unlike so many people today who so enthusiastically publicise their antisemitic thoughts online, then, when identified, attempt to denounce them lest they impact on their political or professional careers.
Giant is Harold Pinter Theatre until 2 August. haroldpintertheratre.co.uk
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