James and the Giant Peach: A Play

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A dramatization of James' adventures as he escapes from his fearful aunts by rolling away inside a giant peach. Includes suggestions for staging, easy-to-make costumes and scenery, and lighting procedures.

91 pages, Paperback

First published May 1,1982

About the author

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Roald Dahl was a British novelist, short story writer and screenwriter of Norwegian descent, who rose to prominence in the 1940's with works for both children and adults, and became one of the world's bestselling authors.

Dahl's first published work, inspired by a meeting with C. S. Forester, was Shot Down Over Libya. Today the story is published as A Piece of Cake. The story, about his wartime adventures, was bought by the Saturday Evening Post for $900, and propelled him into a career as a writer. Its title was inspired by a highly inaccurate and sensationalized article about the crash that blinded him, which claimed he had been shot down instead of simply having to land because of low fuel.

His first children's book was The Gremlins, about mischievous little creatures that were part of RAF folklore. The book was commissioned by Walt Disney for a film that was never made, and published in 1943. Dahl went on to create some of the best-loved children's stories of the 20th century, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda and James and the Giant Peach.

He also had a successful parallel career as the writer of macabre adult short stories, usually with a dark sense of humour and a surprise ending. Many were originally written for American magazines such as Ladies Home Journal, Harper's, Playboy and The New Yorker, then subsequently collected by Dahl into anthologies, gaining world-wide acclaim. Dahl wrote more than 60 short stories and they have appeared in numerous collections, some only being published in book form after his death. His stories also brought him three Edgar Awards: in 1954, for the collection Someone Like You; in 1959, for the story "The Landlady"; and in 1980, for the episode of Tales of the Unexpected based on "Skin".


Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 39 votes)
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39 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
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Rereading all the Roald Dahl books with my 4-year-old has been an absolute delight. The stories are truly fantastic!!!! Among them, this particular one stands out as a favorite. The vivid imagination and unique characters in Roald Dahl's works never fail to capture the hearts and minds of both children and adults alike. As we turn each page, my little one's eyes light up with excitement and wonder. The magical worlds and thrilling adventures described in these books transport us to places we've never been before. It's not just about reading; it's about sharing these precious moments together and creating memories that will last a lifetime. I can't wait to continue this journey of discovery with my child and explore more of the wonderful stories that Roald Dahl has to offer.

July 14,2025
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I directed this play in college and it was an absolute blast.

The process of bringing the story to life on stage was filled with excitement and creativity.

Working with the cast and crew, we spent countless hours rehearsing, perfecting every scene and line.

The anticipation leading up to the final performance was palpable.

And when the curtains finally rose, seeing the audience's reactions and hearing their laughter and applause made all the hard work worthwhile.

It was a truly memorable experience that I will always cherish.

Directing this play taught me so much about teamwork, leadership, and the power of storytelling.

It allowed me to express my artistic vision and share it with others.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this amazing production.

July 14,2025
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James and the Giant Peach: A play
By Roald Dahl, adapted by Richard George
Puffin Books
2007
Play

Richard George has masterfully adapted James and the Giant Peach into a delightful play for kids. The story, well-known among Dahl's fans, follows the plight of James, who is cruelly treated by his aunts. But then, a magical event occurs. A huge peach grows, housing giant insects within. James and his newfound friends roll into the sea, are saved from sharks by seagulls, and triumphantly land on the Empire State Building.

Reading a play is a crucial skill to acquire, as it differs significantly from reading prose. George has made it effortless for the reader to picture the action with his excellent narration and detailed stage directions. While reading a play can be enjoyable, staging it is even more rewarding. The book offers great ideas for lighting in a school environment, which can also be adapted for home use with flashlights. The costume and scenery sections are equally engaging, providing instructions on how to bring the play to life.

Although staging the entire play might not be a practical summer project, selecting certain scenes could be more manageable. This will offer a fun and novel experience for everyone involved, including parents and children alike!
July 14,2025
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This book is truly a remarkable classic that has the power to captivate the hearts of anyone who reads it.

It is a literary gem that has stood the test of time, offering readers a rich and engaging experience.

The story within its pages is filled with vivid characters, exciting plot twists, and profound themes that will leave a lasting impression.

Whether you are a passionate book lover or someone who is just starting to explore the world of literature, this classic is sure to become one of your favorites.

It has the ability to transport you to different times and places, allowing you to immerse yourself in a world of imagination and adventure.

So, don't miss out on the opportunity to discover this great classic and let it take you on a journey that you will never forget. :)
July 14,2025
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This was my very first introduction to Roald Dahl. The piece was short, which made me think, "Well, I might as well give it a read." As I delved into it, I found it to be quite hilarious, and I absolutely loved the bugs! I had a hunch that it would be a truly terrific book for my class, especially for the boys. And boy, was I right! However, they ended up reading the complete version rather than the play.

I, on the other hand, rather liked the play for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it was short, which made it easily digestible. Secondly, it was really interesting to read a play specifically written for children. It offered a different kind of literary experience compared to a regular book.

The play had its own charm and appeal, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it. It made me appreciate Roald Dahl's creativity and his ability to engage readers of all ages in unique ways.

Overall, whether it's the complete book or the play, Roald Dahl's work never fails to captivate and entertain.
July 14,2025
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My second grade teacher read this wonderful story to the class.

As she began to read, I was immediately captivated. The words seemed to come alive, painting vivid pictures in my mind.

I could imagine the characters and their adventures as if I were right there with them.

The story had me on the edge of my seat, eager to find out what would happen next.

It was like a magical journey that took me away from the classroom and into a world of excitement and wonder.

By the time the teacher finished reading, I was completely enthralled.

I couldn't wait to share this amazing story with my friends and family.

It had a profound impact on me and sparked my love for reading.

To this day, I still remember that moment when my teacher read that story and how it made me feel.

It was truly a memorable experience that I will cherish forever.

July 14,2025
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Actually, I watched the play. It was performed by a youth theater cast and they did an excellent job. The actors brought the story to life with their passionate performances and remarkable acting skills.


However, due to my hearing loss, I had some difficulties in fully understanding the dialogue during the play. So, the next day, I decided to check the book out from the library. By reading the book, I could get a more in-depth understanding of the story and the characters.


I found that the book provided more details and background information that I might have missed during the play. It also allowed me to appreciate the play from a different perspective. Although I couldn't hear everything during the play, reading the book helped me to fill in the gaps and have a more complete experience.

July 14,2025
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I truly love this book. I have always had a great aversion to reading, but this particular book is one that I simply cannot put down. It is an extremely good book. If you are like me and don't have a penchant for reading, I would highly recommend giving this book a chance. You might be surprised, just like I was. Despite my hatred for reading, this book managed to completely captivate me and prove to be truly awesome. It has a unique charm and engaging storyline that keeps you hooked from start to finish. I am so glad that I decided to pick it up and give it a try.

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