The Olivier Award-winning play Giant by Mark Rosenblatt is set to arrive on Broadway, with John Lithgow confirmed to star. The production will open at the Shubert Theatre in New York on March 11, 2026, marking the much-anticipated transfer of the acclaimed West End hit to American audiences.
Giant, directed by Nicholas Hytner, first premiered at London’s Royal Court Theatre in September 2024 before moving to the West End’s Harold Pinter Theatre in spring 2025. It received widespread critical acclaim, including five-star reviews from top publications like The Times, Sunday Times, Telegraph, TimeOut, Evening Standard, and Daily Mail. Lithgow, who portrayed Roald Dahl in the London production, won the Best Actor Award at the 2025 Olivier Awards, while the play itself earned the Best Play Award. Further Broadway casting details are yet to be revealed.
About the Broadway Production and Creative Team
The Broadway staging of Giant is produced by the same team behind its West End success, including Brian and Dayna Lee, Stephanie Kramer, Nicole Kramer, Josh Fiedler, Robyn Goodman, and the Royal Court Theatre. The design team features Bob Crowley on set design, Anna Watson handling lighting, and Alexandra Faye Braithwaite on sound, working alongside director Nicholas Hytner.
Inspired by true events, Giant explores the complex and often troubling character of Roald Dahl, focusing on one pivotal day marked by public controversy and personal crisis. Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play combines sharp, dark humor with incisive social commentary, examining the impact of divisive rhetoric and antisemitic remarks while challenging audiences to consider the boundaries between provocative speech and harmful expression.
Notable Cast Members from London’s West End Run
In the original London productions, Aya Cash made her West End debut as US publisher Jessie Stone, with Elliot Levey portraying Tom Maschler, Dahl’s British Jewish publisher. Rachael Stirling, who received an Olivier Award nomination, played Felicity Crosland, Dahl’s fiancée, while Richard Hope took on the role of Wally Saunders, Dahl’s handyman. These performers contributed to the production’s deep emotional impact and nuanced portrayal of characters surrounding Dahl.
Perspectives from the Play’s Creators and Stars
Brian and Dayna Lee, the producers, expressed their enthusiasm for bringing Giant to Broadway:
“Giant is a powerful reminder that live theatre sparks vital conversation and deeper connection. The critical and audience acclaim from its West End run speaks to the insight and resonance of Mark Rosenblatt’s writing, remarkable for a debut play, and to John Lithgow’s stunning performance. We are honored to bring this timely work to Broadway this Spring.”
– Brian and Dayna Lee, Producers
Playwright Mark Rosenblatt reflected on the journey of the play:
“My debut play Giant was written on spec in my kitchen with no assurance it would ever get produced at all. So, to have it premiere at London’s mighty Royal Court Theatre before transferring to the West End was truly life-changing. And now, to open on Broadway, led again by the peerless John Lithgow, is truly the stuff of dreams – I can’t wait to share Giant and Nick Hytner’s exceptional production with New York audiences.”
– Mark Rosenblatt, Playwright
John Lithgow shared his connection to the role:
“Being a part of Giant from its inception has been the most challenging and exciting stage experience of my career. I play the central character of Roald Dahl, a man of dizzying complexity, on a day of crisis in his life. The story takes place forty years ago, but it resonates powerfully with events of our present day. No play I’ve ever been in has had such an impact on audiences. I am so proud and honored to play this part.”
– John Lithgow, Actor
Director Nicholas Hytner commented on returning to Broadway with the play:
“It’s a great privilege to be on Broadway with this superb play and to be working again with John Lithgow, one of the English-speaking world’s greatest actors.”
– Nicholas Hytner, Director
The Significance of Giant’s Arrival on Broadway
The transfer of Giant to Broadway marks a significant milestone both for Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play and for John Lithgow’s acclaimed portrayal of Roald Dahl. The production’s thematic focus on the power of speech and the consequences of hateful rhetoric remains highly relevant in today’s social climate. Its successful run in London and recognition at the Olivier Awards suggest that the play will engage New York audiences with similar intensity and provoke meaningful discussions.
As the Broadway opening approaches, anticipation builds around how the production will continue to evolve, with further casting announcements expected. The collaboration between experienced theatre professionals and rising talents highlights the growing importance of contemporary drama that confronts difficult topics with honesty and nuance. Giant’s Broadway premiere promises to be a pivotal event in the New York theatre season of 2026.
