James and the Giant Peach at the King’s Theatre Edinburgh Review
James and the Giant Peach
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
24-27 May 2016
Reviewed by Emily Crombie
We were welcomed to the King’s Theatre in Leven Street, Edinburgh for the opening performance of the Roald Dahl classic, James and The Giant Peach by the Sell A Door Theatre Company.
As part of their family friendly listing, James and the Giant Peach is showing at the King’s from 24 until 27 May, at 7pm as well as matinee performances at 2pm on Wednesday and Thursday and 10.30am showing on Friday. Thus helping to encourage the next generation to experience the delights of live theatre performances. With a running time of act one 35mins and act two 29mins with a 20min interval James and the Giant Peach is suitable for all the family.
The open curtain allows the children’s imagination to explore the scenery before the show begins. A large structure – the peach stone takes centre stage with lighting creating atmosphere.
The show follows Dahl’s tale of James Henry Trotter who, following the death of his parents, is sent to live with his mean relatives Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker in their house on top of a hill. When James is given, then spills a magic potion near the old peach tree strange things begin to happen. A peach of gigantic proportions grows and becomes James’ escape route as he joins Miss Spider, Centipede, Grasshopper, Ladybird and Earthworm as they make their way across the Atlantic aboard the peach to their final destination in Central Park, New York.
My son, aged 9 thoroughly enjoyed the show, and his favourite scene was where James and the insects were spinning the thread and catching the seagulls.
The show is cleverly staged around the revolving centre stage which takes on many guises. The show is fast paced and up beat hold the audience’s attention.
I would highly recommend this show to all school aged children.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £15.50 (booking fees may apply).
James and the Giant Peach is at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh until 27 May 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.
King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LQ | 0131 529 6000
