A Monster Calls

Often when seeing a production I am not familiar with I try and do a certain amount of research before the performance on this occasion I am really pleased that I did. The very first line of information available states- Prepare to embark on an emotional journey like no other in our stage production of “A Monster Calls”. Based on the extraordinary heart wrenching best selling novel by Patrick Ness.This being the final original idea of the late award -winning writer Siobhan Dowd.

Talisman director Caroline McCluskey used her vision to great effect directing the amazingly talented cast who took to the stage to tell the stunning story of love, loss and courage anew. Uniting the graduating youth members with an adult cast who embraced Carolines ideas from the very start of their rehearsal process.

The play tells us the somewhat harrowing story of Conor, who was played with such forlorn anguish and anger by Oliver Mason.I felt many of the audience would totally identify with his extremely emotional portrayal. Oliver was pretty much constantly on stage throughout the performance and I was very impressed as he had learnt so much dialogue. I understand Oliver will now be leaving the youth section and I sincerely hope he continues with his amateur stage work. Conor has the same vivid dream every night, since his mother first fell ill and as she embarks on a treatment regime that somehow don’t seem to be working. Emma Ritsons stage  craft when playing Conor’s Mum would easily equal many a professional actress,  especially in her opening scene when cradling her baby in a shawl that then became her head scarf. Her health and hope declined as the many treatments continued to fail, her demeanour and resilience slowly becoming increasingly sad and somewhat desperate when making plans for Conor’s future with his Grandma.

One night when Conor wakes during his recurring dreams there is a visitor at his window, presenting himself as from the trees, his fantastic makeup enabling him as the ancient elemental force of nature, the unexpected arrival of this compelling monster, he introduces himself as ‘The Teller’. Played by Ben Lonoff, who for me gave the most captivating performance of all when telling his three stories when he invites Conor and also us, the audience, to confront life’s challenges and discover the power of one’s imagination. However ultimately the monster commands the most powerful thing from Conor, the truth.

It would be easy but boring for me to list each of the twelve extremely talented ensemble, whilst the majority all had their own duel parts to play as supporting character’s throughout as Teachers, Conor’s Grandma, The school bullies and Conor’s absent Dad .All twelve were present in the very loud shocking dreams that inhabited poor Conor’s existence when he woke at night, each gave incredible performances in every dream sequence, including superb movement accompanied by each carefully chosen appropriate music clip.

As always at The Talisman their crew and creatives had really thought about the sparse scenery and having just enough props to enable each scene to be carefully set.

The subject matter of a play that deals with so many thought provoking, heartbreaking challenging themes is not something I can say I enjoyed. Bereavement, isolation, harrowing dream sequences, emotional distress, bullying & violence to name but a few. What I can agree on is that the evening was a truly extraordinary theatrical performance leaving the audience profoundly moved and emotional with many audience members in tears. I can say no more, other than to all the cast and crew, you’ve done your job and it was done in an exceptional way, Superb.

Thank you once again for the invitation and the hospitality from the front of house team. Also, it was a pleasure to briefly meet the director following the performance.

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