A Giant hit

It's big-hearted and big on effects which draw disbelieving and delighted ooohs and aaahs from the human beans in the goggletorium. It's totally family-friendly - our kids have never enjoyed a show more, and they see loads as grandfather's very own focus group of what works for young audiences. It's a giant achievement from a truly splendid ensemble, lovable as kids, loathsome as giants and wonderfully effective as live musicians putting over Paula Gardiner's terrific and slightly off-kilter score on a wide and weird assortment of instruments.

My only problem - a pleasant one to grapple with - is that this is another show originating from Royal&Derngate (this time in collaboration with Fiery Light) which is simply so all-round excellent that it threatens to drain my supply of superlatives.

On the creative side, Sean Crowley and the Northampton workshops have produced a splendid set making full use of the Royal's rather eccentric stage height, an achievement happily matched by sound and lighting from Mike Beer and Ceri James.

Absolutely central to the action are the tiny and giant puppets, courtesy of Chris Pirie and Susie Caulcutt. Simply wonderful, with the fantastic shadow sequence of helicopters airlifting the giants at once breathtaking and hilarious - and probably an eye-opening first for many of the youngsters in the audience.

The vastly-experienced Anthony Pedley has played the BFG role more times than he probably cares to remember, and his total command and utter sympathy for the part shines out like a beacon. To say he makes the part his own is like saying the sun shines - it in no way conveys the glorious, life-enhancing warmth involved. As terrific an achievement as any high-profile Shakespearean reading.

I also have it first-hand that he's a spell-binding raconteur over his meals at Buddies restaurant, just round the corner from the Royal. Our star-struck waitress sang his praises as we enjoyed our pre-show nosh - try the V(yes,V)LT, it's a BFG in its own right.

Becky John, as Sophie, the girl who gets involved in the BFG's adventures, gives a truly winning performance and is so adept at manipulating her scarily lookalike puppet that you forget it's just a wooden figure - fabulous stuff.

There's admirable double and tripling work from the rest of the cast - Adam Baxter, Darrell Brockis (great moustache work), Heather Phoenix (uncanny Queen voice), Naomi Lee Schulke (cool trombone), Louise Shuttleworth, Iwan Tudor, Lucy Abbs and Sam Pay.

The magnificent giant heads will stay with you for a long time, as will the scene of them settling down for a nap - fantabugloriacable.

The BFG is at Northampton until March 28. Tickets here. After that there's an extensive national tour, details here. Blackpool and/or London may be too far for most Midlanders, so Northampton is the best bet.

This incarnation of the show is directed by Phil Clark, whose sterling work with Horrible Histories I reviewed at Coventry a few weeks back. Another great acvhievement from a director with a fantastic track record.

A big, friendly word of advice - you won't see a better family show anywhere this year. And final giant to mention - the smiles we all sported as we left the auditorium.