THE STORIES of Roald Dahl are much more than just words on a page for former Royal Shakespeare Company actor Anthony Pedley, they’re part of his everyday life. For when he’s not playing the giant in Roald Dahl’s The BFG, which comes to Hackney Empire next week, he tours schools and libraries with his one-man show A Taste of Dahl.

Anthony has clocked up a staggering 1,500 performances as The BFG since first performing in David Wood’s adaptation of the play in 1991, but he says this latest production is keeping things fresh.

“Basically, it’s a different production. I’ve been fortunate to play the giant for the past 18 years but this one is directed by Phil Clark, not David Wood as in previous productions. Phil’s version has actor musicians on stage being the giants and playing instruments.

“This show has a different design with very vibrant colours. It’s a totally different concept, even though it’s the same adaptation of the play. There’s something very exciting about live music on stage, it’s quite special.

“I was in Guys and Dolls in the ‘80s and when they did the overture there was this frisson, and I thought wow. Something about live music sends shivers down my spine.”

Born in Chorley, Lancashire, Anthony has spent the last 20 years living in Holland on Sea in Essex. He trained at RADA and made his professional debut at the Liverpool Everyman in 1965, before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford in 1969. During his six year tenure he played alongside such names as Donald Sinden and Judi Dench. He went on to join the Royal National Theatre’s production of Guys and Dolls and Adam Faith’s production of Alfie. He also starred as Farmer Hogget in David Wood’s stage version of Babe – The Sheep Pig.

He has played the title role of The BFG, three times in London and on tour.

Anthony is also on tour with A Taste of Dahl. To date, he has performed the show at more than 700 venues over the past six years.

“After the last tour of The BFG, I wanted to do a one-man show that was totally different. David said to me: 'Why don’t you do Dahl? You’re tall enough', so I approached the Roald Dahl estate for a licence.

“It’s one of those things where landing a big part takes over. Dahl has taken over my life. I’ve read everything he’s ever written.

“What appeals to me is he has a dark side and there’s a lot of dark humour in The BFG. It’s very dark with the snatching of the child and you’re wondering what the giant is going to do with this child, it’s quite awful, but the relationship develops between the orphan and outcast and they come together and enjoy life. It’s really about the empowerment of children.”

Anthony says The BFG is his favourite among Dahl’s works, but he’s also put in a stint playing Badger in Fantastic Mr Fox.

“I played this elderly badger narrating the story, once again with David directing. I had a walking stick and had to potter about though I’ve no idea how badgers walk. I had a nice little tail as I recall.”

Anthony says his collaboration with David goes back a long way.

“We were actors together in the late ‘60s. We had a bit of a laugh on stage and that friendship has never gone away. When I went up for the part, I thought I might have a chance when I saw he was directing, but he says he wouldn’t have cast me if he didn’t think I was right for the role.

“I guess I’ve been growing into the part over the past 18 years. My knees are not quite as elastic as they were, but I can still balance on one leg in an enormous 16ft giant’s costume, throw my arms out and deliver a giant whizpopper.”

The BFG comes to Hackney Empire, Mare Street, Tuesday, May 5 to Saturday, May 9, various times. Tickets: 020 8985 2424 (£17.50-£13.50, plus concs)