FROM THE BARN ARCHIVES

A Monster Calls

By Patrick Ness, Adam Peck & Siobhan Dowd
Directed by Mark O'Sullivan
Assistant Director Nick Baker
Movement Lynsey Wallace
6th – 15th February 2025 at 8:00pm
Matinee on 15th at 2:30pm

Stories are the wildest things of all! Stories chase and bite and hunt.

A Monster Calls is a theatrical gem.
The London Magazine

A Monster Calls follows the emotional journey of 13-year-old Conor O’Malley, who grapples with his mother’s terminal cancer and the turmoil of his everyday life. Lonely and isolated, Conor faces bullying at school and a growing sense of helplessness. One night, a monstrous yew tree comes to life and visits him, claiming it will tell him three stories in exchange for one truth from Conor.

As the monster shares its tales – stories filled with moral complexity and darker themes – Conor is challenged to confront his fears and the painful realities he tries to suppress. Each story reveals deeper truths about human nature, forcing Conor to reflect on his own struggles and the raw emotions he experiences, including anger, guilt and grief.

With each visit, the monster pushes Conor to recognise his own feelings about his mother’s illness and the looming prospect of loss. The climax builds as Conor must face a harrowing truth that has haunted him, leading to a powerful moment of catharsis. Ultimately, A Monster Calls explores themes of love, acceptance and the importance of expressing one’s emotions, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of life’s most challenging moments.

Breath-taking fantasy, physical theatre and raw emotion.

A Monster Calls will be hosting a charity preview performance on Thursday 6th February
in aid of the Jessica Brady Cedar Trust.

CEDAR Trust Tickets

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

Directed by
Mark O'Sullivan
Assistant Director
Nick Baker
Movement
Lynsey Wallace

CAST

Lily and Ensemble
Harry and Ensemble
Mrs Godfrey and Ensemble

CREATIVE TEAM

Producer
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Lighting Design
Lighting Operator
Original Music
Poster Design

Additional lighting equipment generously supplied by Ambersphere Solutions Ltd – www.ambersphere.com. With huge thanks to Rob Beamer and Jamie Bates. Thanks also go out to the Company of Players in Hertford www.cops.org.uk for generously donating much of the wood in the set.

Production PHOTOS

(Click image to enlarge)

MEDIA & REVIEWS​

A Monster Calls is a theatrical gem.
The London Magazine
A monster hit.
Rated 5 out of 5
The Times
A Monster Calls was an Olivier Award winner in 2019.

DON'T FORGET, COMING UP AT THE BARN SOON​

CONTENT WARNING

Opening5th September
Opening20th September

 

WE'RE Here To HELP

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Feel free to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to answer your questions.

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Welcoming Everyone Into Our Community

A Monster Calls

Although A Monster Calls has no specific diversity message within its narrative, we have endeavoured to reflect our wider community within our casting and allocation of parts.

The Full Monty Charity Preview Night at the Barn Theatre, Welwyn Garden City - September 2026

The Full Monty

(Charity Preview Night)

Thursday 17th September

18th - 26th September - Individual Shows

4.30pm – 5.30pm

7.30pm – 8.30pm

6pm – 7pm

9pm – 10pm

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Comedy at the Barn Edinburgh Fringe Special.

Comedy at the Barn

(Edinburgh Fringe Special)

Saturday 11th July
4.30pm – 10pm

27th June - Individual Shows

4.30pm – 5.30pm

6pm – 7pm

7.30pm – 8.30pm

9pm – 10pm

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Comedy at the Barn Edinburgh Fringe Special.

Comedy at the Barn

(Edinburgh Fringe Special)

Saturday 27th June
4pm – 9.30pm

27th June - Individual Shows

4pm – 5pm

5.30pm – 6.30pm

7pm – 8pm

8.30pm – 9.30pm