Old Vic Theatre

For a masterclass in theatrical storytelling, get A Monster Calls tickets as this best-selling novels comes alive

Sally Cookson directs a vivid page to stage adaptation of Patrick Ness’s bestselling novel A Monster Calls as part of the Old Vic Theatre 2018 Season. Brought to life in a powerful new version, the classic is the magical realist novel that follows a boy consumed with grief and anger. A Monster Calls runs at the London venue from July, following Joe Penhall’s Mood Music.

‘Stories are wild creatures, the monster said. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?’ Teenager Conor and his mum have got along just fine since his dad left to go to America. But now, his mum has become sick and it doesn’t look as though she’s going to get better. As his grandmother continues to interfere and the kids avoid him at school, Conor begins to spiral downwards.

One night, Conor is woken up by something menacing at the window – a monster. The monster is willing to share his tales, and when he’s done, Conor must face his deepest fears. In a brand new adaptation from visionary director Sally Cookson, who has helmed the National Theatre’s stellar Jane Eyre and musical La Strada, this version delves into the darker side of the story.

Casting includes Hammed Animashaun as Anton, Nandi Bhebhe as Teacher, Selina Cadell as Grandmother, Georgia Frost as Sully, Stuart Goodwin as Monster, Felix Hayes as Dad, John Leader as Harry, Marianne Oldham as Mum, Matthew Tennyson as Conor and Witney White as Lily, as well as Matt Costain and Jonathan Holby.

A Monster Calls quickly became a bestselling novel, attracting audiences of all ages. Dealing with issues such as loss, grief and familial love, Ness’s book became the winner of both the Carnegie and Greenaway Medals for outstanding children’s literature and illustration.

Presented in collaboration with Bristol Old Vic, the production is inspired by an idea by Siobhan Dowd and is devised by the company, with set design by Michael Vale, costume design by Katie Sykes, lighting by Aideen Malone, sound by Mike Beer, projections by Dick Straker and compositions by Benji Bower. Playing at the Old Vic Theatre, A Monster Calls runs from July 7th to August 25th 2018, with an official opening on July 17th 2018.

Child Friendly

A Monster Calls is recommended for those aged 10 and up. Children under the age of 10 will not be admitted.