The BFG, The Mayflower, Southampton

ROALD DAHL'S much-loved children's book The BFG was brought to life on stage last night - and was a giant success.

The book, a firm favourite of young readers since it was first published 20 years ago, has been imaginatively restructured for a theatre audience by veteran children's adapter David Wood.

It tells the story of a young orphan, Sophie, who is kidnapped and whisked off to Giant Country by the BFG, or Big Friendly Giant, after she catches a glimpse of him one night (humans are not supposed to see giants).

Then they learn of a plan by the other giants - a bloodthirsty, unscrupulous lot - to go to England and snack up on children. They dash off in pursuit and enlist the aid of the Queen, who sets her military forces onto the problem straight away.

The adult cast, including Anthony Pedley as the BFG and Rebecca Rainsford as Sophie, bring the story to life