Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre
Barrow Road, Kenilworth CV8 1FN
Monday 26th - Saturday 31st August 2024
A MONSTER CALLS
An emotional journey of grief, loss, and healing awaits
Based on the novel by Patrick Ness and inspired by the original idea by Siobhan Dowd, devised by Sally Cookson and Adam Peck and the company
Directed by Caroline McCluskey
Prepare to embark on an emotional journey like no other in our stage production of “A Monster Calls.”
Based on the heart-wrenching novel by Patrick Ness, this powerful story follows young Conor O’Malley as he navigates the complexities of grief, loss, and the unexpected arrival of a compelling monster.
With captivating performances and a narrative that touches the soul, this production invites you to confront life’s most challenging moments and discover the healing power of storytelling and imagination.
Don’t miss this extraordinary theatrical experience that will leave you profoundly moved and inspired.
A Monster Calls explores the themes of bereavement and isolation. In keeping with the book, the stage adaptation has several fantastical elements. There are scenes of moderate threat and also some potentially disturbing dream sequences. Some scenes may cause emotional distress. There are also scenes of bullying in a contemporary school setting.
Though the violence in these scenes is relatively mild, a young audience is likely to identify and sympathise with Conor. This show may prompt discussion at home with a young person’s responsible adult about some challenging themes.
As such, this production is recommended for age 12 years and over.
There will be flashing lights and some strobe lighting during this performance.
Thank you to Clinton Primary School for the loan of the school chairs.
PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES
Ticket availability may include wheelchair spaces. To book a wheelchair space or to enquire about waitlist/returns etc. please contact Box Office on 01926 856548 (or via our Contact Us page)
Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre
Barrow Road, Kenilworth CV8 1FN
CAST & CREW
Cast (in order of appearance)
Mum: Emma Ritson
Conor: Oliver Mason
Harry/Ensemble: Jack Ives
Sully/Ensemble: Alais McCluskey
Antonia/Ensemble: Heather Doy
Lily/Ensemble: Amy Jolliffe
Mrs Godfrey/Ensemble: Linda Smith-Blain
Miss Marl/Ensemble: Jessica Whitehill
The Monster: Ben Ionoff
Grandma/Ensemble: Jill Laurie
Dad/Ensemble: Mike McCluskey
Ensemble: Lily Butler, Natasha Hall, Georgina McKernan, Laurie Weston
Crew / Creative Support
Director: Caroline McCluskey
Production Manager: Wendy Elliott
Set Design: Steve Sanday
Lighting: Nigel Elliott
Sound: Richard Crump
Props: Corrina Jacob & Team
Wardrobe: Sam Harris & Team
Movement/Choreography: Amanda Wright
Set Build: Talisman Set Build Team
Publicity: Sharon Sully & Team
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
‘Stories are wild creatures’, the monster said. ‘When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?’
Conor and his mum have always managed just fine since his dad left, but now everything is changing. His mum is seriously ill, his grandmother won’t stop interfering and the children at school won’t look him in the eye. But one night a monster calls. A monster with ancient stories to share and through these visits, Conor confronts his deepest fears and discovers unexpected truths about love, loss and healing.
This story speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling in healing. This wonderful play sees Patrick Ness’s novel vividly brought to life, bringing together physical theatre, movement, storytelling, music, and effects. I am so excited to have such a wonderful cast, all of whom have embraced my ideas from the very start of the rehearsal process. Uniting our graduating youth members with an adult cast, this really is an ensemble piece. The audience will travel with Conor on his journey and this play promises to bring something unique to the Talisman stage.
Caroline McCluskey
CAST PHOTOS
Emma Ritson
Oliver Mason
Jack Ives
Alais McCluskey
Heather Doy
Amy Jolliffe
Linda Smith-Blain
Jess Whitehill
Ben Ionoff
Jill Laurie
Mike McCluskey
Lily Butler
Natasha Hall
Georgina McKernan
Laurie Weston
NEXT EVENTS...
Step into the gripping world of ‘Never the Sinner,’ a thought-provoking stage play that unravels the shocking true-life crime drama of two young men whose lives took a chilling turn in the 1920s.
by John Logan
Directed by Sam Harris