Full casting announced for A Monster Calls

Patrick Ness’ piercing novel A Monster Calls comes to Bristol Old Vic in a powerful new adaptation by visionary director Sally Cookson from 31 May – 16 Jun.

'Stories are wild creatures,’ the monster said. ‘When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?’
 
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 ages 10+.

Sally Cookson, Director, said "The prospect of adapting Patrick Ness’ beautiful book is a tantalising one and I am chomping at the bit to get started. The story of thirteen-year-old Conor lost in a mire of anxiety and fear strikes a chord with anyone who’s been threatened with losing someone they love. The combination of gritty realism and magic make it perfect material for theatre - I love a challenge and the big question will be ‘How are they going to create a Tree Monster on stage?’ Come and find out!"

Patrick Ness, Writer, said "A Monster Calls has always been a collaboration, in all its forms. I like to say I took the baton from the late, great Siobhan Dowd, then handed it on to our illustrator Jim Kay, and what came out was something bigger than anything the three of us could have done by ourselves. I'm now so excited to hand that baton on to the amazing Sally Cookson. She's assembled an outstanding company. What a treat this is going to be!

The cast includes Hammed Animashaun, Nandi Bhebhe, Selina Cadell, Matt Costain, Georgia Frost, Stuart Goodwin, Felix Hayes, Jonathan Holby, John Leader, Marianne Oldham, Matthew Tennyson and Witney White. Find out more here.