Hoffman will play Mr. Hoppy, a retired bachelor who longs for his neighbor, Mrs. Silver, who will be played by Dench. Mrs. Silver, however, pays more attention to her pet tortoise Alfie.  Hoffman's stage work includes The Merchant of Venice, Death of a Salesman and Jimmy Shine. His film credits include "Wag the Dog," "Rain Man," "Kramer vs. Kramer," "Tootsie" and "The Graduate."

Dench's stage work includes Amy's View, King Henry V and Twelfth Night. Her film work includes "Notes on a Scandal," "Iris," "Chocolat," "Skyfall" and "Shakespeare in Love."

"Esio Trot," which will be directed by Dearbhla Walsh, is the latest adaptation of Dahl's work. The musical adaptation of his book "Matilda" won seven Olivier Awards and four Tony Awards, and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is currently being performed at London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. An adaptation of "James and the Giant Peach," with music by Tony nominees Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, will be presented at the Seattle Children's Theatre and a stage adaptation of "Esio Trot" was performed at the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.