This year marks the 100th year since Roald Dahl’s birth. Children and adults alike have been touched by the genius work of one of Britain’s favourite storytellers – he had the ability to bring out both the naughtiness and goodness in our mad world. London has certainly not forgotten this momentous occasion – not only have we seen the wonderful BFG Dream Jars go on display around the city, but there is also an array of other Dahl-esque things Londoners can enjoy.
1. Dinner with the Twits
Les Enfants Terribles, creators of Alice’s Adventures Underground and The Game’s Afoot, are inviting you to join them for dinner at The Twits. And they’re certainly putting on a show. The immersive dining experience will run from 4th September until 30th October at the Twits’ Windowless House and Ghastly Garden (or London’s Vaults if you want to be particular) and it’s strictly adults only so they’ll be no nasty, nosey little children. Result! Expecr fish glass eyes out of your cocktails, gruesome looking (yet delicious tasting) food made by the masters of contemporary food design Bombas and Parr and, of course, enjoy entertainment from your hosts, Mr and Mrs Twit. Tickets are from £84 and can be bought on Fever here.
Leake St, London SE1 7NN
2. Matilda the Musical
When the all time classic Dahl book made it’s way to the stage, it took the West End by storm (a storm far stronger than Ms. Trunchball’s rages). If you haven’t made a trip to London’s Theatreland in a while, Matilda the Musical is the perfect show to go see. It’s outrageously funny, a spectacle for the eye and the music, written by Tim Minchin, will have you singing for days. You can buy tickets on Fever from £32 here.
The Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, London WC2H 9HU
3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Another one of our childhood favourites took to the stage in 2014 and it’s full of sweet-munching, chocolate gorging goodness – as you’d expect! If the dancing Oompa Loompas aren’t enough to get you excited, the sensational music and Olivier award-winning show certainly will do the job. And for a wholly immersive sugar rush, why not treat yourself to a bag of sweets in the interval (we can imagine all the talk of chocolate will get your mouth watering). You can get your (golden) tickets from £31 on Fever.
4. The BFG Exhibition at House of Illustration
2 Granary Square, King’s Cross, London N1C 4BH
5. Roald Dahl Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard
Another excuse to take a trip to the Shard‘s 31st floor. Running until the 30th September, The Roald Dahl Afternoon tea at Aqua Shard will delight your tastebuds and tickle your inner child with its themed menu. Indulge on Mr Twit’s Bird Pie, the Not-so-big Crocodile White Chocolate Egg, The Witches chocolate mice, The Giant Peach Meringue and more fantastical foods. The tea starts at £45 per person. (Bubbly is available, but it’s for naughty adults only).
The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY