‘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.
This adaptation is suitable for adults and children aged 10+.
An Old Vic production in association with Bristol Old Vic.
Supported by The Old Vic Endowment Trust
Tickets: £12, £16, £20, £25, £40, £50
Under 16s tickets half price on price bands A and B Mon–Thu including Wed mats
Running time: 2hrs 20mins including a 20 minute interval
Most suitable to adults and children aged 10+. There is some loud music, strobe lighting effects and certain scenes that some audiences may find scary or upsetting. If you’d like to find out more about themes please call The Old Vic Box Office on: 0844 871 7628
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in A Monster Calls, please click here for information on services that will be able to offer you help and advice.
EVERYONE MUST SEE ‘A Monster Calls’ @oldvictheatre Bold, imaginative, physical theatre. Beautiful music. THIS is an experience. THIS is theatre at its best.
This show was a masterpiece. It broke every person I was with, three of my closest friends, in tears. It was superbly put together, the very height and meaning of ensemble. I say again - a masterpiece. I want to go again, this play is truly for everyone.
Loved the production of ‘A Monster Calls’ at @oldvictheatre. The music, the staging and the acting are so beautifully mesmerising, they really do Siobhan Dowd’s devastatingly moving story justice... #OVMonster
Watching a Sally Cookson show is like being vividly awake in a dream that you don’t want to wake up from. A Monster Calls @oldvictheatre is a masterclass in every element of storytelling.