An orphan named James, who lost his parents in a freak accident involving rhinos, goes on a magical journey inside a giant peach across the ocean.
Along with his friends Ladybug, Grasshopper, Centipede and Earthworm, the young boy must face many challenges.
James’s story, originally penned by children’s author Roald Dahl, is being presented by Headliners Productions.
The play, James and the Giant Peach, has a cast of young Nanaimo actors who have been working hard to bring the show to Malaspina Theatre Saturday and Sunday (May 20-21).
Xander Lamb plays James in the production. It’s the first time he’s played a main role.
“It’s been a big stretch from my last thing, I had one role and one song, to the main role,” said Lamb, adding he likes that his character sings a lot of sad songs.
Braxton Hall has been embracing his inner grump to play Centipede. Centipede is known for being a pest, but also enjoying jokes and songs.
“I love that I’m grumpy and it sort of fits me, and I love how I am a bug,” said Hall, adding it has been a fun experience and he enjoys acting because he gets to see his friends.
Hall said people should come and see the show because it “has a lot of twists and turns.” Lamb said the cast “rocks” and everyone participating in the production is “awesome.”
“I think it’s a really great show … We worked really hard on it and I think people should come and see it,” said Tatum DeSchutter, who plays Ladybug.
The show takes people through a range of emotions.
“It’s really good because there are sad bits, happy bits and in the end of course it’s all happy,” said Rose Jolly, who plays Grasshopper.
James and the Giant Peach shows at 7:30 p.m. on May 20 and 2 p.m. on May 21. Headliners also presents Legally Blonde at Malaspina Theatre Friday (May 19) at 7:30 p.m. and May 20 at 2 p.m.
Tickets for either show are $10 in advance from West Coast ReSale, by calling 250-585-1811 or are $12 at the door.
For more information about Headliners, please visit www.headliners.ca.