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Powerful. Poignant. Astounding. Just three of the many words used to describe St Michael’s March 2024 production of A Monster Calls. 

The captivating rendition of Patrick Ness’ novel brought audience members to tears as talented actors in Years 5 to 8 performed an unforgettable tale of grief, love and fear with outstanding technique and maturity. 

Adopting the role of Connor, Year 7 pupil Theo S gave a heroic portrayal of a young teenager battling the looming death of his mother whilst navigating a painful school life, hallucinations and strained relationships with his father and grandmother. Viewers were entranced by Theo’s dramatic versatility at all stages of his character’s turbulent story, ably switching between emotions as smoothly as he did from real life to nightmare. Commenting on his role in the play, Theo said: “Performing in A Monster Calls has been a journey. From our first rehearsal to the final show, the whole experience has been fun and exciting, whilst teaching us so much about acting and each other. Mr Powell’s ability to turn an emotional play into one that can be performed by children in such a powerful way is amazing, he’s so talented.”

The play’s antagonist, the Monster, was embodied by Year 7 pupil Oliver S who was transformed by special effects make-up artist Kate Griffiths for the production. Oliver’s voice work, movement and facial gestures were mesmerising and at times frightening as he portrayed Connor’s nemesis. Reflecting on the complexity of his role, Oliver said: “At first it was difficult to play a non-human character, but with Mr Powell’s help I learnt how to develop a sense of animal in my acting and when I was in costume and make-up, I really felt the part.” 

Depicting Connor’s other monsters, the school bullies, were Mikayla M, Lucy A, Maggie B and Jack C, whose commanding stage presence wreaked pain and sympathy alike for those witnessing their actions. Year 8 pupil, Lucy, who played Sully, said: “Performing the role of a bully was challenging but with Mr Powell’s direction, we created scenes which were very convincing and gave an important message.” Clara H, Year 6, must also be praised for her innocent yet valiant performance as Connor’s devoted friend Lily who sticks by him even through moments of betrayal; we all need a friend like Lily. 

Adopting mature roles in the script were pupils Belinda B (Grandma), Andrij Z (Dad), Matilda M (Miss Godfrey) and Aiden G (Mr Marl). Each injecting uniqueness into their characters, the talented young actors contributed significantly to the production’s storyline, using such focus and emotional intelligence to portray the guiding figures in protagonist Conor’s life. 

Pivotal to the immaculate storytelling of St Michael’s production, pupils Theo H, George W, Isabelle D, Isabel E, Oliver N, Finley S, Amelia M and Ella M played the roles of Yews, executing set, prop and costume changes on stage whilst bringing the Monster’s narrative to life with exceptional moments of physical theatre. Positioned on stage for the entire duration of the performance, the Yews’ untiring acting engrossed their audience throughout. 

The play concluded with a hospital scene, where Conor (Theo) and his grandma (Belinda) clung tightly to Florence, playing Mum, as she took her last breaths. For audience members not already in tears, this moment tore heartstrings as viewers themselves felt a sense of grief watching this courageous family suffer so deeply. Credit must be given to Year 8 pupil Florence L who gave a flawlessly composed performance as Mum, embracing the character’s emotions at every stage of the story with such grit. Describing the process involved in her character development, Florence said: “I used my own mum as inspiration for my A Monster Calls audition piece, mirroring the way she acts and speaks in my own acting. My role in this production has given me a lot of confidence and is an experience I will never forget.”

A spellbinding production in many ways, it is St Michael’s Head of Drama, Al Powell’s deep-rooted ambition and theatrical artistry which must be acknowledged for part of the play’s success. Al said: “It’s been a real joy to work on A Monster Calls and I’m very proud of the children and staff who have worked so hard. The collaborative element of putting on a show is so wonderfully rewarding and I am blessed to have such a fabulous team, cast and support from the school, in order to create the product. It’s sad to say goodbye to Conor and the story but I am already excited to embark on the next journey - watch this space!”

From the few audience members who weren’t left speechless after the performance, considerable praise has been sung. One viewer described the production as “astounding and outstanding in equal measure whilst deeply moving. The performances of the children in tackling the subject matter with such maturity and reach was inspiring and worthy of a much older cast.” Whilst another added: “A stunning performance. A very charged and grown-up piece and subject for such young people; they did not let you down. The attention to detail even down to the way the stagehands set the scene is incredible; it's already telling the story even before the acting begins.”

And the impact of the play was felt beyond the auditorium, as St Michael’s branched out to family bereavement charity Holding on Letting Go which audience members raised over £900 for across the performances. Thanking the St Michael’s community for their generous donation, Pam Meller, Fundraising Officer at the charity, said: "I just wanted to say a massive well done and thank you to all at St Michael’s involved in the production of A Monster Calls and for choosing, alongside this production, to raise funds for Holding On Letting Go. I had the privilege of watching the show on Thursday and the commitment, interaction, maturity and accuracy with which each and every character played their part, from the start to the very end left me speechless. The story, of course, was a sad one but with humour in places and had the whole audience enthralled from start to finish.”

We are extremely proud of the cast and crew of St Michael’s A Monster Calls and can’t wait to see what Mr Powell has in store for next year’s production.

A Monster Calls Highlights video:

Please click here to view the full production gallery.

A Monster Calls - based on the novel by Patrick Ness and inspired by an original idea by Siobhan Dowd, devised by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Company.