A Monster Calls
A Monster Calls
‘Stories are wild creatures, the monster said. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?’
Patrick Ness’s piercing novel A Monster Calls is brought to The Old Vic stage in a powerful new adaptation by visionary director Sally Cookson.
Thirteen-year-old Conor and his mum have managed just fine since his dad moved to America. But now his mum’s very sick and she’s not getting any better. His grandmother won’t stop interfering and the kids at school won’t look him in the eye.
Then, one night, at seven minutes past midnight, Conor is woken by something at his window. A monster has come walking. It’s come to tell Conor tales from when it walked before. And when it’s finished, Conor must tell his own story and face his deepest fears.
On publication, A Monster Calls became a bestseller with children and adults alike with its dazzling insight into love, loss and healing. It garnered huge critical acclaim, including an unprecedented double win of the Carnegie and Greenaway Medals for outstanding children’s literature and illustration.
An Old Vic production in association with Bristol Old Vic. This production will run at Bristol Old Vic from 31 May–16 Jun 2018.
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No exchange or refund after purchase.
- How Does It Work
You will receive an email confirmation please print for collection of tickets at the venue box office.
- Suitable For Children
Recommended for ages 10 +
- Where Do I Go
The Old Vic, The Cut London, SE1 8NB
Reviews
Chrissie
Aug 20, 2018
Took 10 x 16 year old , powerfully expressive with clever stagecraft of ropes and shadows. My 10 year old was fixated on watching the musicians x particularly the drummer! But Obviously enjoyed it as he laughed at the right bits. I was sobbing at the end ! Loved it
Amber
Aug 18, 2018
This is an amazing show which I was lucky enough to be recommended to see. It's probably one of the best things I've ever seen. The set, Stage, Chairs and Ropes conjured up everything that was needed. All the actors were brilliant, the music perfect and the Director!! Stunning!!
Lesley Nicholson
Aug 13, 2018
What a thought provoking and inspiring storyline that was incredibly delivered by the cast. The stage set was very creative as was the use of the properties. I was awestruck from the moment the show began to the very last. Congratulations need to be expressed to everyone involved in the production.
Sophie K
Aug 6, 2018
Don’t miss this show, it was absolutely incredible. The set was brilliant and inventive, the acting was impeccable and the music was stunning. Really an astonishing and brilliant piece of theatre.
Anon
Aug 5, 2018
I'm not sure what expectations we had, but whatever they were they were well exceeded. It was a beautifully staged and produced production, the acting was flawless and fantastic, the story deceptively simple -- the power of the whole had me in tears.
Ian
Aug 5, 2018
Absolutely fabulous, the play itself, the cast and the stage setting are unbelievable. I may have enjoyed myself at the theatre more but I really can't remember when.
Nikki
Aug 5, 2018
Booked this on a whim and boy was it worth it. Top class acting had the audience believing and feeling for the characters right from the start. Great staging complimented the acting. Would recommend this to everyone, not a dry eye in the house when it finished.
Romford Rover
Aug 5, 2018
A Monster Calls was brilliant. The set was minimal but conveyed the settings really well. The Yee Tree was amazing. The actors playing Connor and the Grandmother engaged the audience emotionally. The story was told really well Take tissues
Kathleen
Aug 4, 2018
An absolutely incredible play. Couldn't recommend enough
Levent Husnu
Aug 4, 2018
This is very much in the style of 'Curious incident' the narrative definitely struck a chord with me and the climactic scene left me in tears, a beautiful yet sad and real story about dealing with cancer and family.
MS
Aug 2, 2018
Wonderful minimalist play, brilliantly staged and acted out.
Barrys
Jul 30, 2018
It seems strange to enjoy a rather gut wrenching, sombre, experience based on a son dealing with his mother’s imminent death from cancer but this brilliant production manages it. An all round excellent ensemble cast but notable performances from the lead characters, combined with imaginative and pared back production, makes this ‘not to miss’ theatre. Very highly recommended.
Simon Cartagena
Jul 28, 2018
The play exceeded expections with a very creative way of displaying the monster and the emotional scenes were very powerful. Highly recommend!
Chrispearson
Jul 28, 2018
Really good ,enjoyable plot
Jackie Daly
Jul 27, 2018
Captivating and moving
Cathy
Jul 27, 2018
This was one of the best plays I have ever seen, such a clever adaptation, and so moving I was in bits by the end.
Jack
Jul 26, 2018
Stunning production with the young lead giving a performance that has to be seen to be believed. No wonder the critics have raved. Many in the audience, ourselves included, found the ending extremely emotional, even though we could guess it was coming, as the conclusion on stage is probably something that has touched almost all of us. An extraordinary theatrical experience.
Lora
Jul 26, 2018
Having read the book and loved the film the play had a lot to live up to but it certainly did. Such a great play with a really clever use of props. It will make you laugh and cry.
Susieq
Jul 26, 2018
What a magical piece. Wonderful storytelling. Simple theatre craft becomes compelling and beautiful. I've never cried so much in a theatre before. Stunning!
Emma B
Jul 24, 2018
This show was extremely cleverly done, very powerful and very traumatic, leaving me sobbing by the end. The whole auditorium was silent from beginning to end, completely entranced. It stuck very closely to the book. I highly recommend this show.
RC
Jul 23, 2018
I love the book so much that I was a bit nervous of seeing this production. I needn't have worried. It remains faithful to so much of the dialogue and the essence of the story and at the same time uses deceptively simple techniques, such as the hanging ropes, to represent both the more magical elements of the story as well as the mundane, from the tree to a steering wheel.
Reb
Jul 23, 2018
I have seen the film which I loved. This play is brilliant. The whole cast were fantastic but the guy who played Connor and also the one who played the monster were particularly good. It's such a moving story, well told here. Also a very clever set. The musicians were also excellent.
Sara
Jul 22, 2018
Such a powerful play, highly recommend it!!
Neil
Jul 22, 2018
A Monster Calls is one the most creative, beautifully crafted and deeply emotional play you will see in 2018.
Anno
Jul 21, 2018
A wonderful and true adaptation of Patrick Ness's Monster Calls.
SJS
Jul 20, 2018
It couldn't have been any better. Tense but with splashes of humour. True to the book in that you are still asking yourself questions afterwards. Genius.
Ian McInnes
Jul 15, 2018
Totally enjoyable, the set was imaginative, excellent character portrayal. Would highly reccommend
Morag Buchanan
Jul 15, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed it and the acting was great.