A Monster Calls

16 -19 July, 2025 , Orchard Dene Garden Theatre, Blewbury.

Evening performances 16-19 July (8.30pm). Matinee performance 19 July (3pm).

Gate and bar open at 7.30pm and audiences are very welcome to bring a picnic

to enjoy in the garden before the performance starts.

Adults £16 Child £9 (up to 18) This production is suitable for 11 years +

Box Office link will become live from 6 June, 9am.

Friends of Blewbury Players Box Office opens 4 June, 9am - using code that has been sent.

About the play

This is a powerful story about family, love, loss resilience, hope and the extraordinary power of storytelling. It is a coming of age story, a mix of moral fable and ancient myth. Many of you may have read the the bestselling classic novel by Patrick Ness or seen the film of the story or if you were very lucky seen Sally Cookson’s production at The Old Vic.

Directing us is Sabina Netherclift, an experienced professional director who runs her own company, Filament Theatre, and has particular interest in physical theatre and community work.  She tells us “This is a wonderful uplifting story about the value of family friendship and ultimately love. It's got these wonderful storytelling elements in it and it's going to be wildly entertaining.  Thirteen year old Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill. But tonight is different.Tonight when he wakes, there’s monster at his window. It’s elemental, a force of nature, and it offers to tell Conor three tales if the boy will, in return, tell him the truth. The monster’s relationship with Conor is as a storytelling mentor, kind of challenging, sometimes mischievous, helping him to come to terms with what is happening”.

We have made our first ever PODCAST!! Please watch below as Sabina talks about the play using the link at the bottom of this page.

We have a strong creative team, cast and an imaginative set and are anticipating a moving, uplifting production. We are excited that Sabina is bringing with her Alex Harvey from Ockham’s Razor (a contemporary circus company that recently toured performing  ‘Tess’ at Oxford Playhouse and Newbury Corn Exchange). Alex will be acting as an Aerial Movement Director and Consultant. The cast are eagerly anticipating their first rehearsal with him.  We are also delighted to be welcoming Lizzy McBain as production designer to complete the team bringing professional expertise. She describes the set design, “making full use of the natural environment surrounding the stage, is an extension of Conor’s experience, a living entity that breathes, shifts, and shapes his journey, also inviting audiences not just to be spectators, but participants in his world”.

We are once again proud to have strong contributions from many younger members of our community in all areas of the production.

Please contact us at blewburyplayers@gmail.com if you are interested in taking part off stage.

We have made our first ever podcast!! Please watch below as Sabina talks about the play and how rehearsals are going…