Rosenblatt’s fearless script is one thing, but it’s made extraordinary by the performances. Lithgow dominates, certainly, but it’s really an ensemble piece. Romola Garai plays Jessie Stone, and though her character is a fiction, and a useful dramatic foil for Dahl, Garai brings her completely alive. She holds herself tightly, apologetically, like she’s on the verge of throwing up at any moment, but there’s also a profound dignity to her, especially when in a quavering voice she defends Jewish people against Dahl’s outrageous statements.
Giant at the Royal Court review: shocking, challenging Roald Dahl play is spectacularly good
