Understanding the Magic Realism in James and the Giant Peach

By admin

James and the Giant Peach is a beloved children's novel written by British author Roald Dahl. The story follows the adventures of a young boy named James, who lives with his cruel aunts after his parents tragically pass away. James' life takes a magical turn when he encounters a strange old man who gives him a bag of magical crocodile tongues. James accidentally spills the tongues near an old peach tree, and as a result, a single peach begins to grow to an enormous size. James discovers a secret entrance into the peach and finds himself in a wondrous world inside. He meets and befriends several peculiar anthropomorphic insects including Miss Spider, Old Green Grasshopper, and Earthworm.


I grew up in a small logging town in Southern Oregon, where there was little to do if you didn't like to hunt and fish. I practically lived at the Carnegie-funded library. In grade school, I started to write my own stories.

Location City State Opens Closes Webb Theatre De Pere Wisconsin 4 24 2024 4 28 2024 Shadow Ridge Middle School Flower Mound Texas 9 18 2023 11 20 2023 Jefferson High School Sioux Falls South Dakota 10 19 2023 10 21 2023 Caldwell High School Caldwell Texas 11 2 2023 11 4 2023 Flowing Wells High School Tucson Arizona 1 25 2024 1 26 2024 St. Location City State Opens Closes Webb Theatre De Pere Wisconsin 4 24 2024 4 28 2024 Shadow Ridge Middle School Flower Mound Texas 9 18 2023 11 20 2023 Jefferson High School Sioux Falls South Dakota 10 19 2023 10 21 2023 Caldwell High School Caldwell Texas 11 2 2023 11 4 2023 Flowing Wells High School Tucson Arizona 1 25 2024 1 26 2024 St.

James and the iant peach magic man

He meets and befriends several peculiar anthropomorphic insects including Miss Spider, Old Green Grasshopper, and Earthworm. The magic man in the story is not explicitly referenced, but it can be assumed that he is the old man who gives James the bag of crocodile tongues. This mysterious character plays a crucial role in transforming James' life by introducing him to the magical world inside the giant peach.

James and the iant peach magic man

Cantey V. Sutton Theatre

When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion, which results in a tremendous peach. The peach launches James on a journey of enormous proportions. He finds himself among human-sized insects with equally oversized personalities, and he embarks on a dangerous voyage. Thanks to James’ quick wit and creative thinking, the residents learn to live and work together as a family.

From the book by Roald Dahl. Dramatized by Richard R. George.

Director: Kathleen Rudolph

Read the review: “James and the Giant Peach, both in length and subject matter … is ideal for young theatregoers, though the young at heart who loved this story as children will also find much to enjoy.” Read the full Talkin’ Broadway review.

Support and Sponsors

Support provided by The Produce Box.

This project is supported by United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County as well as the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Ticket Information

Tickets available now. Buy them online or from the box office at 919-821-3111. Group sales are also available from the box office.

James and the Giant Peach is part of the RLT Youth Series.

Ticket prices (including taxes):

  • Adults: $17.00
  • Children (12 and under): $11.00

Click to download the show poster

Photo Gallery

James and the iant peach magic man

Throughout their journey inside the peach, James and his new insect friends encounter various challenges and triumphs. They face off against wicked cloud-like creatures and journey across the ocean, all while forming a strong bond and helping each other overcome their fears. The story is a fantastical adventure filled with imaginative, memorable characters and Dahl's signature dark humor. It explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of imagination. James and the Giant Peach has become a classic in children's literature, captivating young readers with its enchanting storytelling. The novel was first published in 1961 and has since been adapted into a successful film and stage production. It continues to be a beloved story, reminding readers of all ages about the joy and wonder of childhood imagination and the transformative power of friendship..

Reviews for "The Themes of Magic and Friendship in James and the Giant Peach"

1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "James and the Giant Peach Magic Man." The storyline felt disjointed and lacked depth. The magic man character was introduced haphazardly, and his role in the overall plot seemed forced. Additionally, the pacing of the film felt off, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. Overall, I don't think this movie lived up to the original "James and the Giant Peach" and would not recommend it.
2. Michael - 1/5 - This movie was a complete letdown. The concept of a magic man could have been interesting, but the execution was poor. The dialogue felt cheesy, and the acting was subpar. I found it difficult to connect with the characters, and their motivations seemed unclear. The whole film felt like it was trying too hard to be magical and whimsical, but it fell flat. Save your time and skip "James and the Giant Peach Magic Man."
3. Emma - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "James and the Giant Peach Magic Man," but unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. The addition of the magic man felt unnecessary and took away from the charm of the original story. The visual effects were lackluster, and the animation didn't blend well with the live-action scenes. The overall tone of the film was inconsistent, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. I would recommend sticking to the original "James and the Giant Peach" instead.

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