A MONSTER CALLS
From the first word, the first note, the first light, A Monster Calls is nothing short of astonishing.
"'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 can'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, ancient and wild, 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.
A Monster Calls, the extraordinary and heartbreaking novel by Patrick Ness – now an international bestseller and major motion picture – is brought to the stage for the first time in a powerful new adaptation by visionary director Sally Cookson (Jane Eyre, Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty).
On publication, A Monster Calls became a firm favourite with children and adults alike with its dazzling insight into love, loss, hope 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 (Jim Kay, Harry Potter).
An Old Vic production in association with Bristol Old Vic
Illustrations Copyright © 2011 Jim Kay
From A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness based on an original idea by Siobhan Dowd & Illustrated by Jim Kay
Reproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London SE11 5HJ walker.co.uk
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In the hands of Sally Cookson, A Monster Calls is an instant classic: a show that transforms both hearts and minds through the magic of authentic storytelling. Go with someone and join the masses who rose to their feet and hugged those near them.
Everything this director does speaks of hope for the theatre and the transcendent power of the imagination.
