Roald Dahl's classic dark fantasy story received a massive musical adaptation at the National Theatre, bringing together a powerhouse ensemble cast, intricate choreography, and an original score. When people look into the theatrical production, they want to understand who played who, how the creative team built the iconic characters, and what made the stage version stand out from previous film adaptations.
The production premiered at the Olivier Theatre in London before capturing global attention. Led by three-time Olivier nominee Katherine Kingsley as the Grand High Witch, BAFTA winner Daniel Rigby as Mr. Stringer, and Sally Ann Triplett as Gran, the cast relied heavily on a large, dynamic ensemble and a talented young company to pull off Dahl's chaotic world. This breakdown looks at the principal performers, the ensemble members who played the coven of witches, and the production choices that shaped the show.
Principal Cast Breakdown and Key Roles
Every successful musical adaptation needs strong anchors at the top of the call sheet. The National Theatre production cast performers with extensive West End and comedy credentials to balance the grotesque elements of Dahl's story with sharp theatrical timing.
Katherine Kingsley as the Grand High Witch
Katherine Kingsley took on the ultimate villain role with a maximalist, high-energy performance. Rather than playing the Grand High Witch as a flat monster, Kingsley leaned into a theatrical, Marlene Dietrich-esque cabaret style. Her songs, composed by Dave Malloy, required immense vocal control while maintaining a haughty, imperious stage presence.
Daniel Rigby as Mr. Stringer
Daniel Rigby brought frantic, comedic energy to the hotel manager role. His performance anchored the physical comedy of the second act, especially during the chaotic kitchen sequences. Rigby mixed musical theater belt with frantic physical acting, keeping the pacing tight during scenes involving the transformed children.
Sally Ann Triplett as Gran
As the wise, smoking-jacket-wearing grandmother, Sally Ann Triplett provided the emotional heart of the story. Her character established the warm bond with the young protagonist, contrasting sharply with the terrifying villains surrounding them. Triplett's vocals grounded the narrative, particularly during reflective numbers about resilience.
The Witches Ensemble and Coven Members
The ensemble of witches formed the backbone of the production's massive musical numbers. Unlike film versions that rely on heavy CGI, the stage adaptation used a physical ensemble to create the terrifying coven sequences.
The ensemble cast featured seasoned stage performers who doubled as hotel guests, coven members, and terrifying transformed characters. Notable cast members who brought the coven to life included:
- Julie Armstrong
- Chrissie Bhima
- Zoe Birkett
- Maddison Bulleyment
- Miracle Chance
- Daniele Coombe
- Molly-May Gardiner
- Tiffany Graves
These performers executed complex choreography by Stephen Mear, transforming instantly from ordinary hotel patrons into malevolent sorcerers. Their harmonies in numbers like "Down with Children" drove the musical's darker tone, proving that live theater could match the scale of cinema through sheer physical synchronicity.
The Young Company and Child Actors
The adaptation required young actors to carry heavy dramatic and musical weight, particularly in portraying the young protagonist and his unfortunate friend Bruno Jenkins.
The role of the boy was shared by young actors including Bertie Caplan, while the role of Bruno Jenkins was tackled by Cian Eagle-Service, George Menezes Cutts, and William Skinner. The creative team reworked Bruno from a simple glutton into a triple-threat performer who handled difficult comedic staging and tap numbers. Supported by the National Theatre Young Company, these young actors held their own against seasoned veterans during complex staging.
Production Design and Ensemble Integration
The success of the cast depended heavily on how the design team integrated actors into the set. Lizzie Clachan's set design created fluid spaces, from seaside hotels to grand convention halls, allowing the ensemble to move seamlessly around the stage without breaking rhythm.
Lighting designer Bruno Poet used sharp color contrasts to isolate individual witches during pivotal solo lines, while sound designers Ian Dickinson and Alexander Caplen managed the complex acoustic needs of a large ensemble cast backed by a live orchestra. Costume design by Johanna Coe ensured that the witches' disguises—wigs, gloves, and shoes hiding square feet and clawed hands—remained practical for fast-paced dance routines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the musical production of The Witches premiere?
The musical premiered at the National Theatre's Olivier Theatre in London, running from November 2023 through January 2024.
Who wrote the music and lyrics for the stage adaptation?
Dave Malloy composed the music and wrote the lyrics for the production, blending retro cabaret styles with contemporary musical theater structures.
How did the stage version handle the child-to-mouse transformations?
The production utilized innovative puppetry, physical theater, and costume design rather than digital effects, relying on the young actors and ensemble to physicalize the transformations.
Is there an official cast recording available?
Yes, the original London cast recording was released, featuring tracks like "One Day," "Magnificent," and "Down with Children."
