A Monster Calls

Frome Drama Club’s
Production of

“A Monster Calls” by Patrick Ness.

Director – Calum Grant ,
Production Manager – Gerald Crawshaw,
Stage Manager – Michael Starr,
Lighting &  Sound Design – Calum Grant.

As seen by Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative

on Friday, 21st, November, 2025

at Merlin Theatre, Bath Road, Frome, Somerset BA11 2HG.
( on behalf of Mike Purnell – local NODA Representative )

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in
question. The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is

inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in
particular the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only
be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms
expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher
standards in Amateur Theatre.
It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and
encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer
will prove helpful in improving future productions.

As I travelled down to the Merlin Theatre for the first time I was aware that, in a busy
period of show reviews, this was the only non-seasonal production I would be
reviewing. This was a brave choice for the group because of the subject matter and
the time of year to perform it to their audiences. My visit also clashed with the night
of the towns switching on of their Christmas lights. Consequently the house was only
about half full and this quality production should have been seen by a full audience.
The racked seating viewed an open stage only dimly lit. Centre was a collection of
strong white ropes stung together to resemble the trunk and branches of a tree. This
was pivotal to the story. Along the rear wall were lined classic seats as used in a
school setting. Some low mood music was playing and there was a slight haze to the
stage. This was the setting for the entire play and the space and props were
wonderfully used by the with cast who continually adjusting the set as needed.
The play revolves around a teenager living with his Mother who has a cancer
diagnosis. He is suffering with nightmares which disrupts his life and schooling. He
believes that the yew tree growing outside his bedroom window could supply the
cure to his mothers illness. But the tree becomes a monster in his nightmares and
interacts with him. The play unwinds the nightmares of the youth and goes on to
clarify how he should handle these nightmares and accept what the future brings. It
is an immensely moving piece of work and I am impressed with how this group
handled the themes and action involved.

I had some concerns about the speeches within the narrative. There were many
speeches which were aimed up stage towards the blank curtained walls of the rear
stage. Most of these were lost to the audience as no voice projection was used. Also
any speech between two actors that was intimate, was also lost as the actors chose
to keep their words intimate. Of course this could have been limited by the use of
wireless mics but easier if they had been taught more about volume of speech and
directional use. I am truly sorry to mention this but it was a basic flaw that stopped
this show being totally spell binding.
On the positive side here was a show that was stunning in it’s concept and
execution. The whole cast were well rehearsed and energetic and became a great
support to the lead characters. I never saw any member “out of character” whilst on
stage and they coped with the numerous cues and scene changes very well. The
roles of Grandmother and Mother were well played as far as we could hear. Those
ladies worked well together and with Conor. The three actors that were the yew tree
were so good in their roles. I applaud each of them. Very vocal, active and became
very crucial to the support for young Conor. These people were very well cast.
Congratulations. The role of the young youth, Conor, was so well played by Toby.
Although slightly older than his part required he had a depth of feeling well matched
for the role. His part was made easier by the strength of those actors playing Mother,
Grandma and the Tree. There were a few times when Conor spoke the words to
himself but overall he coped very well with this peach of a part. I hope he remembers
how it feels to play such a role as parts as good as lthese are few. Well done Toby!
I am very glad that I was able to see such a good production from Frome Drama and
for me it made the trip down worthwhile. My good wishes to all who took part in this
dramatic piece and to the many kind people that welcomed me to the Merlin.

Thank you all for presenting such a quality show and I look forward to my next visit.

Kind regards

Bob Allen. NODA SW district 14 Representative

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and

only reflects the performance seen.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.