Until 31 August, the streets of London are transformed with magical giant Dream Jars to celebrate Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday and the release of The BFG film. The BFG Dream Jar Trail brings to life the long-held dreams of celebrities and artists. We headed out to hunt down which ones can be found in London’s Theatreland.
Dream Of England by Helen Mirren
Where?
Golden Square
What’s the story?
The brain-child of Olivier Award-winning actress Helen Mirren, Dream Of England shows a simple oak tree. Mirren says of the creation, ‘My dream is of a single mature oak tree, growing handsomely in the middle of a green field. This, to me, is England’.
What’s nearby?
Less than a minute away is the Piccadilly Theatre, current home of smash-hit musical Jersey Boys.
Believe In Extraordinary by Team GB
Where?
Trafalgar Square
What’s the story?
After years of intense training, Team GB is in Rio, all of them working hard to realise the ultimate dream of winning an Olympic medal.
What’s nearby?
Trafalgar Square is on the doorstep of the Strand, where theatregoers can be uplifted by Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre, enjoy the barnstorming Funny Girl at the Savoy Theatre or celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first UK production of Hobson’s Choice at the Vaudeville Theatre.
Sweet Dreams by Steven Spielberg
Where?
Leicester Square
What’s the story?
This jar full of sweets is the dream of more than a few staff at Official London Theatre towers, but it is in fact the work of director Steven Spielberg. Spielberg says ‘I had a childhood dream of having all of the sweets in the whole world. All kids naturally dream big, no matter what you dream of you should relish that dream’.
What’s nearby?
The jar can be found right behind our famous TKTS ticket booth. The booth is open for amazing discount theatre tickets to a huge number of London shows, and also acts as a one-stop shop for full price tickets.
Once Upon A Dream by Angelababy
Where?
Chinatown
What’s the story?
Actress and Instagram star Angelababy and her husband, actor Mr Xiaoming Huang, have a dream of peace, happiness and paradise: ‘It would be our biggest dream if all children were able to see, hear and feel goodness and kindness no matter where they are’.
What’s nearby?
Chinatown sits just behind what is perhaps Theatreland’s most famous street, Shaftesbury Avenue. You’ll be tripping over theatre icons with Michael Crawford’s stage return in The Go-Between at the Apollo, the world’s longest running musical, Les Misérables, at the Queen’s, magical Harry Potter And The Cursed Child at the Palace, Olivier Award record-breaker The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time at the Gielgud, and Michael Jackson tribute, Thriller Live, at the Lyric.
Theatre Of Dreams by Tim Minchin
Where?
Neal Street
What’s the story?
Paying homage to the power of theatre, this has to be our favourite jar. Created by Matilda The Musical and Groundhog Day lyricist Tim Minchin, this jar captures his love of storytelling: ‘I want to tell stories: funny stories, musical stories, poetic and prosaic stories. I want to create characters and to help people to laugh and cry and think until I’m dead.’
What’s nearby?
Fittingly, this jar is a stone’s throw from the Cambridge Theatre, where Matilda The Musical has been enthralling audience for nearly five years.
Dream Big by Romero Britto
Where?
Russell Street
What’s the story?
Boasting a colourful heart on a bed of gold glitter, this creation by international artist Romero Britto is the perfect manifestation of his dream: ‘Love! Love for everyone and everything. Gold, spangly love! It’s the biggest force for good.’
What’s nearby?
The backdrop for this jar is Charlie And The Chocolate Factory’s residence and London’s oldest theatre, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The deliciously dark musical will soon make way for tap classic 42nd Street.
Make the most of your Dream Jar adventure with our Theatreland audio walking tour. Download our free app, voiced by legendary actor Ian McKellen, and learn the stories of the people and venues who shaped this unique part of London.