Stories are the wildest things of all! Stories chase and bite and hunt.
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.
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.
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At the Barn we are committed to promoting equality and challenging discrimination in all its forms. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the cast and creative team, regardless of their race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity and will work to prevent any form of discrimination or harassment within our organisation.
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.
